Bucket Ministry brings clean water to Kibera residents.

Honourable Beatrice Elachi, (Third from right),  MP Dagoretti North, receiving a bucket water filter during the final issuance of the water filters in Kibera by The Bucket Ministry.

By Peace Muthoka.

The Bucket Ministry has reached a remarkable milestone in its mission to provide clean drinking water to the residents of Kibera, one of Africa’s largest informal settlements. Since its inception in 2018, the non-profit organisation has distributed 81,777 water filters, providing 408,478 residents of this densely populated area with sustainable access to safe drinking water.

Kibera is characterised by severe poverty, overcrowding and a lack of basic services. The community struggles with inadequate access to clean water, electricity and social services, with only 78 public latrines to serve a large population. These harsh conditions leave residents vulnerable to a range of health risks, many of which can lead to serious illness or death.

At the launch event, held at the World Mission Church in Kibera, Christopher Beth, founder and chief storyteller of The Bucket Ministry, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to making a difference. “Five years ago, we found by overwhelming consensus that Kibera was indeed a place where we needed to touch lives,” he said. Beth expressed her amazement at the positive impact the service has had on the health of the community.

The statistics speak for themselves: initial surveys showed that 52% of people in the area suffered from diarrhoea. Following the distribution of water filters, this figure has dramatically dropped to just 2%. This significant reduction highlights the vital role of clean water in improving public health.

The initiative operates with strong community involvement, with 98% of the team made up of local people. The Bucket Ministry works with local churches and leaders to distribute Sawyer PointONE filters, which can provide clean water for over 20 years. These filters are designed to eliminate harmful bacteria, parasites and pathogens, including E. coli, cholera and typhoid.

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Steven Otieno, a Public Health Officer in Langata, confirmed the effectiveness of the filters. “We tested water filtered by The Bucket Ministry at the National Public Health Laboratories, and it was confirmed that the water is safe for human consumption,” he reported.

Each recipient of a filter is required to maintain its cleanliness and allow the ministry’s team to conduct three follow-up visits. This not only ensures the proper upkeep of the filters but also builds relationships that facilitate the sharing of the Gospel. The ministry utilizes a system called Mission Mapping, which assigns a unique waterproof barcode to each filter for tracking and follow-up purposes.

Beneficiaries like Teresiah Mweke have shared their positive experiences. “Since I started using the water filter, I haven’t experienced any stomach issues,” she said, illustrating the personal health improvements stemming from this initiative.

During the launch, Nairobi County Speaker Beatrice Elachi praised The Bucket Ministry’s efforts. She welcomed Christopher Beth to Kawangware and expressed hope for further outreach. “We need a few buckets in Ukambani and Mandera, because there are areas in this country where clean water is still a nightmare,” she emphasized.

Christopher Beth reiterated the ministry’s mission: “Our goal is for everyone in the world to have access to clean water.” With continued efforts in Kibera and plans for expansion, The Bucket Ministry remains committed to making a lasting impact on communities in need.