Meet Makamusi: 26 Year-old Solving Water Crisis in Kibera

Solving Water Crisis in Kibera

In the heart of one of Africa’s largest informal settlements, a young man is quietly solving the water crisis in Kibera and transforming lives. At just 26 years old, Makamusi is part of a growing movement of young entrepreneurs tackling real challenges with real solutions. His focus? Solving the water crisis in Kibera by providing clean and accessible water to the people.

Water is Life

“Water plays a critical role in everyday life”, says Makamusi. “Without it, basic activities like washing, cooking, and cleaning come to a halt”, he adds. In Kibera, where infrastructure is limited, accessing clean water can be a daily struggle. That’s where Makamusi comes in, ensuring that residents have a steady supply of this vital resource.

Connecting the Community

Makamusi has established water connections throughout the slum, complete with storage tanks of up to 8,000 litres. His system draws clean water from a source located 7 kilometers away, delivering it to multiple stations across Kibera. He works with a small team of young men to manage the stations and handle maintenance.

Overcoming Challenges

The journey hasn’t been easy. Sabotage and vandalism are constant threats. Some individuals have cut his underground pipes—either to disrupt his work or to repurpose them elsewhere. He’s even faced physical attacks for refusing to pay bribes. To mitigate damage and contamination, he prefers to bury his pipes underground.

A Business with Heart

While the water business is his livelihood, Makamusi sees it as a mission and his life’s purpose. He sells a 20-liter jerrican of water for just 10 Kenyan shillings and offers water on credit to families in need. Even when some fail to repay, his commitment to the community never waivers.

The Source of Clean Water

The water originates from Ndakaini Dam and is treated by the Nairobi Water Company before being distributed through official chambers in the area. Makamusi has legal access to these chambers and pays monthly water bills based on meter readings. He also advocates for the use of metal fittings over plastic ones to prevent leaks and ensure a more efficient supply.

Navigating Land and Infrastructure Hurdles in Solving Water Crisis in Kibera

With pipes running across privately owned lands and railway lines, Makamusi often faces demands to remove them. Some landowners halt water flow until disputes are resolved. His workaround involves routing the pipes along existing sewer lines to avoid these conflicts.

Urban Development in Kibera

Once a forested area, Kibera is now a densely populated urban sprawl, home to nearly a million residents. Infrastructure development hasn’t kept pace with population growth, making Makamusi’s work even more essential. His water lines now reach areas that, until recently, were completely undeveloped.

Breaking Barriers as a Young Vendor

In a field dominated by older individuals, Makamusi stands out as the youngest water vendor in his community. His energy and vision exemplify what’s possible when young people take initiative to solve local problems.

Final Words

“Don’t be driven by fear in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.”

That’s the mantra Makamusi lives by, and it’s what fuels his mission in Kibera. His story is one of resilience, purpose, and community—an inspiring reminder that change often begins with just one person willing to make a difference.