Water for Kenya

The people living in Awang’tar village outside of Eldoret, Kenya rely on a local stream to get water. It’s a dangerous hike. Sometimes the stream runs dry. Sometimes the water makes them sick. 

They’re among the 2.2 billion people – 1 in 4 – that lack access to safe water and 3.5 billion people – 2 in 5 – lack access to a safe toilet. Nearly a million people die each year from water, sanitation, and hygiene-related diseases which could be reduced with access to safe water or sanitation (water.org). What’s more: Mothers and children around the world spend 200 million hours each day collecting water. This takes time away from income-creating opportunities and school. Likewise, poor sanitation keeps kids, especially girls, from being able to go to school at all.

So what’s to be done? Wells, or better yet, boreholes (very deep holes that provide a consistent, reliable source of water; even in drought conditions) solve the problem. But they’re expensive. And when “outsiders” try to help from afar, drilling companies exaggerate the cost.

Fortunately for Asbury, Missionary Lucas Odero lives near the Awang’tar Village in Eldoret, Kenya and he’s agreed to oversee the drilling of a borehole. Thanks to your generous gifts, we have raised 1750900 (Kenya Shillings) or $15,468 USD for the June Mission of the Month and drilling will soon commence – keep up with the progress on our timeline below!