Thakiki, Kikuyu Constituency — After years of walking for miles to fetch water from unreliable, seasonal sources, the residents of Thakiki can finally breathe a collective sigh of relief—and raise a glass of clean water to a brighter future. Thanks to a game-changing Ksh 7.9 million investment from the EABL Foundation, water is no longer a daily struggle but a symbol of transformation.

Commissioned under the Spirit of Progress sustainability platform, the Thakiki Water Project is more than just a borehole—it’s a lifeline. Powered by solar energy and built to last, the project delivers safe, accessible water to hundreds of households and schools, restoring dignity and unlocking potential across the community.

“This is not just water—it’s freedom,” said Eric Kiniti, Group Corporate Relations Director and Managing Director of the EABL Foundation. “For Thakiki, it’s a new beginning—where girls go to school instead of streams, and women lead change rather than chase water.”

From Dry Dust to Daily Flow

For decades, Thakiki residents endured water scarcity that shaped every part of their lives—impacting health, education, and economic opportunity. The burden fell hardest on women and children, who spent hours daily in search of water for drinking, cooking, and farming.

Now, with the installation of a solar-powered pump and a reliable borehole system, clean water is just steps away. Families can focus on building livelihoods, children can stay in school, and the community can breathe easier—literally and figuratively.

“We used to pray for rain,” said Margaret Wanjiru, a mother of three. “Now, we wake up to the sound of running water. It feels like a miracle.”

Empowering Women, Building Leaders

But the Thakiki Water Project goes deeper than pipes and pumps. Through a partnership with CARE International, EABL introduced a Gender Inclusion Toolkit—training women to lead water management committees and take their rightful place in community decision-making.

Workshops on governance, finance, and resource management are empowering local residents, especially women, to oversee and sustain the project long into the future.

“When women lead, communities thrive,” said one local facilitator. “This is not just about water—it’s about rewriting the rules of leadership.”

A Blueprint for Corporate Impact

EABL Foundation’s investment in Thakiki is part of a much larger commitment to water security, with over Ksh 780 million already invested in water recovery and reuse initiatives at its breweries in Nairobi and Kisumu. The Thakiki project represents a bold vision: where business growth and social impact go hand in hand.

“We’re not just quenching thirst—we’re fueling progress,” added Kiniti. “Thakiki is proof that when purpose meets partnership, the results are powerful and lasting.”

A Ripple Effect for Rural Kenya

As climate change continues to disrupt water access across the country, the Thakiki Water Project stands as a timely and inspiring example of what’s possible when communities, corporations, and NGOs come together.

With water now flowing, Thakiki is poised for a ripple effect—one that spreads opportunity, resilience, and hope far beyond its borders.