Kitale, Kenya, located in the fertile highlands northeast of Nairobi, and is a town of remarkable natural beauty and agricultural abundance. Surrounded by lush landscapes, rolling hills, and expansive farmlands, Kitale is often referred to as the “breadbasket” of Kenya, producing corn, wheat, and other crops that sustain much of the country’s food supply. The towering Mount Elgon stands nearby, its presence adding grandeur to the already scenic environment. The region’s grassy forests and wildlife sanctuaries attract visitors who come to experience the serenity of the countryside.
However, amid this natural beauty lies a significant challenge, access to safe, clean water. While Kitale’s fertile land seems well-suited for agriculture, the reality of water scarcity, contamination, and inadequate infrastructure often impedes reliable access to safe, clean drinking water for its many residents. Rural communities face the greatest difficulties, with many relying on rivers and springs that are subject to pollution from farming runoff and residential sewage, leading to waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery.
Addressing this issue is crucial to improving health outcomes and ensuring sustainable livelihoods. The Filter Project has hired its first missionaries to serve in the Sirende ward of Kitale, Kenya. This week we traveled to Kitale to onboard and meet these 8 missionaries, along with the campaign’s manager and the local pastor who will help over-see the campaign on the ground.
The Filter Project will launch the Kitale campaign in March 2025, starting in the Sirende ward, one of twenty-five wards in the area. After conducting an assessment, we found that Sirende contains 3,559 homes. We estimate this campaign to take approximately 17 months to complete and $196,000.
Please join us in prayer for our missionaries, filter recipient families, the TFP leadership team as we embark on bringing safe, clean drinking water to residents in Kitale and all the way God is working in this community.