At 410 Bridge, one of the primary goals of our water program is to improve access to and use of safe water for households within the communities we serve. Our approach is multifaceted: we drill boreholes in underserved areas, upgrade and improve existing water systems to ensure sustainability, and explore innovative water harvesting methods, like rainwater collection and rooftop systems, to give communities more options and greater control over their water resources.
Through these efforts, we aim to create lasting impact on both public health and community well-being.
The Challenge in Ulu
The Ulu community faces unique challenges. Located in a semi-arid region, rainfall is unreliable, making agriculture difficult. Currently, three private boreholes provide water to nearly 50% of households, but families face additional struggles from rainwater runoff from the ground and rooftops—water that could otherwise be used to support farming and daily needs.
When community leaders approached us, they asked for help in finding a solution to harness this runoff to benefit homes and small farms, especially during drought.
A Community-Led Solution
After consulting with the community and like-minded partners, we developed a solution that encourages conservation farming and supports households in establishing sustainable food production systems.
Ten households were selected to pilot the project, each receiving a farm pond package that includes:
- A 70,000-liter pond with a dam liner to prevent seepage and ensure long-term water retention
- A solar-powered pump to direct water into a 1,000-liter tank
- A drip irrigation system capable of watering an eighth of an acre continuously for three months
At home, these households also installed gutters on their roofs to channel rainwater into 5,000-liter storage tanks, where it can be harvested and used for household needs and livestock.
This system allows families to farm year-round without relying solely on rainfall.
Sustainability Through Partnership
A core principle of our work at 410 Bridge is collaboration. We work with communities, not for them. From the start, Ulu residents have been actively involved in every step of the process.
Through their Community-Based Organization (CBO), the ten participating families partnered with the County Government to secure an excavator for digging the ponds. Each household contributed Ksh. 11,000 for fuel costs and ensured their ponds were properly fenced for safety and liability.
This local ownership ensures that the project is sustainable, practical, and valued by the community.
Looking Ahead
This first phase is just the beginning. Our goal is to install the farm pond package for 100 households out of the 500 households in Ulu, spread equally across all eight villages.
The impact is clear:
- Year-round food production strengthens food security
- Families can consistently meet their nutritional needs
- Households become more resilient to drought and climate challenges
- Surplus produce can be sold, creating additional income and economic stability
The project began while the community had already planted crops for the season. Once the harvest is complete, drip irrigation lines will be laid, and many households plan to focus on horticulture as part of this new intervention.
Following Along
We are thrilled to see how these ten households are already beginning to benefit, and we are excited for the broader impact as more families join the project. Through your support, you are helping transform water access, food security, and livelihoods in Ulu.
Every pond, every drip, and every drop of water tells a story of hope—and you are a part of it.
Support the Ulu Water Project today by clicking the donate button below. Your gift will help more families access clean water, grow food year-round, and build a more resilient future.
