More than 400 families from Matinyani Sub County in Kitui County are set to benefit from a total of 400 water storage tanks being distributed by Matinyani Development Women Group to its members, lifting the burden of daily long trekking in search of water.
The water tanks with a capacity of 5,000 liters each are anticipated to reduce the problem of water shortage being experienced in homesteads especially during the drought seasons.
The water tanks are expected to be distributed to all its 400 group members by the end of the year. The water containers are estimated to cost the group over Sh 10 million.
The Groups’ chairlady, Esther Musili, while speaking to KNA today during a launching of phase one of the water tanks distribution ceremony held at the group’s offices in Matinyani sub county said, “Today is the kickoff the giving out the water tanks. Each tank costs Sh. 26,000 and we hope that by the end of the year, all members will have received a tank. We are also counting on a loan from the women empowerment fund to assist us in empowering ourselves,”
The chairperson lauded the group members for their commitment and support of its activities. She noted that due to commitment and support by members, the group has completed construction of a building complex projects.
“We are currently housing government institutions including the Independent Electoral and Boundary Commission (IEBC), Kitui West Constituency Offices, Kitui West Member of Parliament’s office, and the Member of County Assembly Matinyani Ward office,” she said.
Janesther Muimi, the groups’ secretary disclosed that the rental business has been an important source of finance for the community-based organization since they collect rent of over Sh. 50,000 monthly.
“From the income we get from renting out our facilities, we managed to buy these tanks that will be given to each member on a 50/50 cost sharing. A member will contribute 50% of the cost of the tank while the other 50% will be paid from the groups account,” Muimi explained.
Belita Mutinda, who is one of the founder members of the group, while speaking during the ceremony said that the tanks will be of great help because she will no longer go to fetch water from the river.
“I am elderly and have no energy to carry water on my back from the river. I will harvest rainwater into the tank and I will always access water from it for domestic use,” said the elderly group founder member.
Matinyani Development Women Group is known for spearheading life-changing projects such as basket weaving, candle making among others to local communities.
The group was founded 20 years ago by the late Susan Mwendwa, wife of the first director of education in Kenya, Kyale Mwendwa and it has positively impacted the lives of many women in the county.
By Denson Mututo and Diana Syong’ombe
