Six Months On: How Water is Supporting New Opportunities in Olobelibel
In June 2026, we shared an update on how the Olobelibel Borehole Project was changing access to water in the community, with early results including 90 kg of beans harvested and sold for KSh 18,000. Since then, the story has continued to develop. Further harvests, income from agricultural production and daily water access for livestock show the connections between reliable water, productive livelihoods and income.
The borehole now provides clean, reliable water for over 500 households. Families use donkeys to ferry water, with each donkey carrying up to 60 litres at a cost of KSh 15. The income generated through water sales contributes to the operation and maintenance of the borehole, helping the community manage the resource and keep the water supply running.
The community agribusiness group has harvested 300 kg of tomatoes, which were sold at KSh 60 per kilogram, generating KSh 18,000. The group also harvested 200 kg of beetroot, sold at KSh 70 per kilogram, bringing in KSh 14,000. Together, the two harvests generated KSh 32,000 in sales, showing how access to water is supporting agricultural production and creating opportunities for the community to earn from its harvests.
The borehole is also providing water for approximately 400 cows and 1,500 goats each day. With livestock forming part of livelihoods, this daily access extends the use of the borehole beyond household needs, supporting the animals that are part of community life.
The story in Olobelibel is still unfolding. With the community using and managing the borehole, continued care and maintenance will be essential to keep the water flowing and the opportunities it supports moving forward. What comes next will build on what the community is already making possible.
Together, we can strengthen these connections and help build stronger livelihoods and new opportunities for the people of Olobelibel. https://www.goodhub.com/go/olobelibel
