Bringing water closer. Improving lives.
For working donkeys, access to water can mean the difference between a day spent searching and a day with more time to rest, feed, and work comfortably.
Across parts of Kenya and Tanzania, working equines and the communities who depend on them face challenges accessing reliable water. Long journeys to water sources can place additional physical demands on donkeys, taking time away from feeding and rest. Through Brooke USA, communities and local partners are working to bring sustainable water access closer to the people and animals who need it.
The Project At A glance:
11
Water Sites
4,200
Equines Estimated to Benefit
2
Countries: Kenya and Tanzania
The benefits reach entire communities, too. Water infrastructure supports household needs, livestock, vegetable farming, and local economic opportunities, while community-led management helps ensure that these resources remain available over time.
A closer source of water.
A better quality of life.
The 2026–2027 East Africa water project, implemented with Brooke East Africa and trusted local partners, will support the rehabilitation and improvement of water facilities across Kenya and Tanzania.
The work will include:
Improving water infrastructure: Upgrading existing water facilities and developing community watering points.
Expanding solar-powered water systems: Supporting solar pumps, storage tanks, and water troughs to make water access more reliable.
Protecting natural water sources: Renovating and upgrading natural springs to help protect them from contamination.
Capturing and storing rainwater: Excavating a water pan and installing rainwater harvesting infrastructure.
Improving access for working donkeys: Developing water provisions at selected marketplace donkey shelters in Tanzania.
Supporting local management: Strengthening community water user committees and promoting responsible donkey care at water points.
A community making water go further
The Bidii Joint Women's Group | Kitui County, Kenya
In Kitui County, access to water is closely connected to the daily lives and livelihoods of the Bidii Joint Women's Group. The women recognized that traveling long distances to collect water placed additional demands on both themselves and their donkeys. They also wanted to expand vegetable farming and improve access to water for their households and livestock. Rather than wait for change, the group took action.
Members contributed land for water infrastructure and dug a 700-meter trench to help make the project possible. The group has also helped establish the foundations for long-term community management. A water committee has been trained and community bylaws have been developed. The 2026–2027 project will build on this community-led work, including plans for a solar-powered pumping system and continued support to strengthen local water management.
For Lucia, a member of the group, improved access to water has already made a meaningful difference:
“Since we got easier access to water, I no longer travel long distances to the River. After fetching water for my household, I can now give my donkeys water right here at the well. It has saved me time and reduced the burden on both me and my animals.”
The Bidii Women's Group demonstrates what is possible when communities have the resources and support to create lasting solutions for people and animals alike.
Help bring water within reach.
A reliable source of water can support healthier working donkeys, stronger livelihoods, and more resilient communities.
Your support helps Brooke USA and its partners improve water access across Kenya and Tanzania, bringing a drink closer to the working equines, families and communities who need it.