Location & context
Olobelibel is a rural Maasai community in Kajiado County, Kenya, where recurrent droughts and changing climate patterns have made access to water increasingly difficult. For many families, securing enough water for household use and livestock requires long journeys across dry landscapes, placing significant pressure on livelihoods, health and education.
As a predominantly pastoralist community, livestock are central to daily life and household income. However, prolonged dry seasons have reduced the availability of reliable water sources, leaving families vulnerable to economic shocks and food insecurity.
Working alongside community members and local leaders, Power for the People supported the development of the Olobelibel Borehole Project to provide a sustainable source of clean water and strengthen the community’s resilience to future droughts.
Key needs and challenges identified by the community include:
-
Limited access to reliable water sources for both households and livestock
-
Climate variability and recurring droughts affecting livelihoods and food security
-
Time and labour burdens placed on women and girls in managing household water needs
-
Pressure on grazing lands and natural resources during prolonged dry periods
-
Limited access to health and education services due to remoteness and infrastructure gaps
Partners & approach
The Olobelibel Borehole Project was delivered through a partnership between Power for the People and local implementing partner Enkakenya Sidai Initiative, working alongside the Olobelibel community and local stakeholders.
The initiative focused on creating a practical and sustainable solution that responds to the needs and aspirations of the community. By combining appropriate technology with long term sustainability, the solar-powered borehole provides a reliable water source that is designed to support households and livestock for years to come.
This reflects one of the Power for the People’s key principles: that access to water is not an end point, but a foundation that communities can build on. With reliable access to water, communities can make progress across health, education and livelihoods in ways that reflect their own ambitions and priorities.
Funding partners & sponsors
The Olobelibel Borehole project was supported through the generosity of a range of donors, funding partners and supporters who contributed to Power for the People’s Water is Life appeal.
This included funding raised through:
-
The 2025 Big Give Christmas Challenge.
-
James Stewart and 10x10 challenge
-
Grove End Housing
This support has enabled the successful completion and commissioning of the borehole and associated infrastructure, significantly improving access to clean water and delivering long- term, life- changing impact for families in Olobelibel.
What we have delivered
Infrastructure & Facilities
-
Commissioned a solar-powered borehole, providing clean, reliable water for over 500 households and their livestock.
-
Installed a solar-powered pumping system, delivering a sustainable, renewable water supply.
-
Introduced a digital management system to support efficient operation, monitoring and long-term maintenance.
-
Established community-led management to ensure the long-term sustainability of the borehole.
-
Celebrated the official commissioning with a community tree-planting initiative, promoting environmental stewardship alongside improved water access.
Community & Livelihoods
-
Reliable access to water is supporting small-scale farming, livestock and local enterprise, helping families build more resilient livelihoods.
-
Women's groups are using borehole water to grow crops and strengthen income-generating activities, including dairy production.
-
Revenue from water sales is contributing to the ongoing operation and maintenance of the borehole.
-
Reduced time spent collecting water is creating greater opportunities for education, work and community development.
Impact highlights
Here are some of the key impact highlights from the Olobelibel Borehole Project
500+ households
Now have reliable access to clean water through the new solar-powered borehole.
90kg of beans harvested
By a local women's group, generating KSh 18,000 in income.
100% solar powered
Providing a reliable, renewable water supply while reducing reliance on fuel-powered alternatives.
Community managed
Local ownership is supporting the long-term sustainability of the borehole.
More resilient livelihoods
Reliable water is strengthening farming, livestock and local enterprise across the community.
Challenges & learning points
-
Climate change and recurring droughts continue to place pressure on water resources, livestock and household resilience
-
Ensuring sustainable management of the borehole requires ongoing community ownership, accountability and maintenance. A revenue stream is already being generated through water sales, which is a positive early sign for long- term sustainability
-
Community aspirations extend beyond water access, reinforcing the importance of integrated approaches that support health, education, livelihood and local leadership
Future plans & sustainability
The Olobelibel borehole has already begun transforming lives by improving access to clean water and creating new opportunities for the community. Building on this progress, we will continue working alongside community members to strengthen local ownership, promote sustainable livelihoods and ensure the borehole remains reliable source of water and resilience for years to come. Our future plans focus on four key priorities:
Foster community-led borehole management
This will include strengthening community water management committees, promoting transparent financial management and reinvesting revenue from water sales into routine maintenance and repairs.
For example, by the end of May, the Olobelibel borehole had generated KSh 15,000 through water sales, demonstrating how community-managed revenue can contribute to the long- term sustainability of the water system.
Promote livelihoods and women's empowerment
Future initiatives will continue to expand economic opportunities for women and households through improved access to water.
Women have already begun cultivating beans and vegetables using water from the borehole. One women's group harvested 90 kilograms of beans, earning KSh 18, 000 through sales, while reliable water access has also supported the operations of the community's women's dairy plant.
Strengthening community resilience
Future programmes will focus on strengthening community ownership, supporting local enterprise, and increasing resilience to future droughts.
While recent rainfall means livestock are currently using earth dams, the borehole will provide a reliable alternative water source for both households and livestock during future dry seasons, ensuring the community is better prepared for periods of water scarcity.
Advance health and wellbeing
Improved access to clean water will continue to enhance health, hygiene and sanitation across the community.
Reliable water access will help reduce the risk of waterborne diseases, improve household wellbeing and contribute to healthier and more resilient communities.
