From Kenya to the World: How My Water Project Made Top 12 in a Global Competition.

This is the reality I grew up with. In Kakola, an administrative location in Nyando sub-county, Kenya, children walk for miles carrying heavy jerricans of water. The water they fetch often needs to be cleaned. I’ve seen how this daily struggle robs children of their education, damages their health, and steals hope from entire families. That’s why I decided to act.

In 2021, I submitted a project proposal called ‘’the Kakola Off-Grid Community Water Supply Project’’ to the Taiwan Excellence Sharing is Caring Campaign. It wasn’t just an idea on paper; it was a dream shaped by the hardships I’ve witnessed, and the solutions I knew could work. Of 781 proposals from 61 countries, mine ranked in the top 12.

Competing for the Top 3.

Being in the top 12 was incredible, but the competition didn’t stop there. The organizers took us through an intense process to determine the top 3 participants who would receive funding for their projects. This phase involved presenting our proposals in greater detail, answering tricky questions from a panel of experts, and showcasing the feasibility and impact of our ideas.

I remember the nerves I felt as I prepared my presentation. The panel’s questions were thoughtful and challenging. They wanted to understand every aspect of the project, from its technical design to its long-term sustainability and the specific benefits it would bring to the community. While this was daunting, it also allowed me to refine my vision and consider details I hadn’t fully considered before.

Although my project didn’t make it to the final three, the experience was invaluable. It pushed me to grow as a thinker, a problem-solver, and a communicator. I learned that even when you don’t win, the process can be a stepping stone to something bigger.

Starting with What You Know.

When I began working on the proposal, I didn’t have unlimited resources or a team of experts. What I had was personal experience. I understood the challenges of water scarcity because I lived them. I focused on making clean water accessible, affordable, and sustainable for my community.

The project was simple yet effective. By using solar-powered reverse osmosis technology, the system could provide clean drinking water while keeping operational costs low. Solar energy eliminates the need for expensive fuel, and a centralized management system ensures that water is distributed fairly and efficiently.

Start with what you know if you’re thinking about solving a problem. You don’t need all the answers. Sometimes, your personal experience is the strongest foundation you can build on.

Taking the First Step

Submitting my proposal wasn’t easy. I worried about being judged or failing to meet global standards, but I reminded myself that I could not progress by standing still. I gathered the courage to write, research, and refine my idea.

The response from the Taiwan Excellence team was overwhelming. They saw the potential in my project, recognizing its ability to address both the water crisis and environmental sustainability.

If you’re hesitating to take the first step, ask yourself: ‘’What’s the worst that could happen?’’ Fear of failure often stops us from trying, but taking action is always better than doing nothing.

Recognizing the Power of the Community

One of the most substantial aspects of my project was its community-focused approach. The Kakola Off-Grid Water Project wasn’t designed to be a charity but to empower. The idea was to make the community responsible for managing the system, which would reduce costs and ensure longevity.

Any successful project needs the support of the people it aims to help. This principle applies to water projects and any other challenge. Involving others lightens the load and creates a sense of shared responsibility.

Learning from Setbacks

Not receiving funding was disappointing. Very disappointing! I had hoped to see the project come to life quickly, but I’ve realized that setbacks are part of the journey.

Instead of giving up, I’ve used this time to refine the project further. I’m exploring alternative ways to raise funds and collaborating with others who share my vision. Every delay has taught me something new about resilience, planning, and the importance of persistence.

If you face setbacks, don’t let them define you. Use them as stepping stones to get closer to your goal.

Inspiring Action.

When I talk to people about the water crisis, I see a spark in their eyes. They realize that one person’s idea can make a difference, even if it’s still a work in progress.

My journey will inspire you to take action on the challenges you care about. Your voice matters, whether it’s clean water, education, or any other cause. Your actions matter.

I'd love to hear from you if you'd like to support the Kakola Off-Grid Community Water Supply Project or learn more about it. Together, we can turn dreams into reality.

Take Action!

What’s the one problem in your community you’ve always wanted to solve? Write it down. Start small. Share your idea with someone you trust. And when the time comes, take the first step.

You don’t need to wait for perfect conditions. Start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can. The world is waiting for your ideas—and you might just find yourself changing lives, just like I’m determined to do.

Will you join me?