What if access to clean water and sanitation could transform entire communities? For over 28 years, Maji na Ufanisi (Water and Development) has been proving this isn’t just a dream—it’s a reality.
In partnership with the County Government of Mombasa, Maji na Ufanisi has implemented life-changing water and sanitation projects in some of Kenya’s most underserved informal settlements. Through innovative, community-driven solutions, they’ve impacted thousands of lives, showing what’s possible when people work together to solve urgent challenges.
But time is running out. Global progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6—clean water and sanitation for all—is off track. This is a story of hope, urgency, and the incredible difference one organization and a committed community can make.
Why This Matters
In Mombasa’s informal settlements, access to clean water and proper sanitation has long been a challenge. Imagine sharing a single, unsafe water source with hundreds of people or lacking a proper place for sanitation. It’s not just inconvenient—it’s dangerous.
This is where Maji na Ufanisi steps in. Guided by their mission of “Water for All,” they’ve developed programs that don’t just provide services but empower communities. Working alongside local governments, they’ve brought dignity and safety to people often left behind.
Their work aligns with a bigger vision: ensuring everyone, no matter where they live, has access to safe water and sanitation. It’s a fundamental human right.
The Mombasa Story: An Example for the World
Back in 2013, Maji na Ufanisi and the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta took on an ambitious project in the Bangladesh informal settlement of Mombasa. They introduced a groundbreaking concept: community-managed WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) facilities, including pay-per-use toilets and disability-friendly washrooms.
This wasn’t just about building infrastructure. It was about creating a system that could last. Through their pay-per-use model, the community took ownership, ensuring maintenance and sustainability. For the first time, residents had reliable access to safe water and proper sanitation facilities.
The results were extraordinary. The new facilities improved health, reduced waterborne diseases, and gave people a sense of dignity. The success of this project caught global attention, proving that innovative solutions can work even in the most challenging settings.
What Makes This Work?
The secret to Maji na Ufanisi’s success lies in their principles:
- Maji na Ufanisi’s work with the community, not just for them. By involving local residents, they ensure solutions are tailored to real needs.
- With over 28 years of experience and collaborations with governments like Nairobi, Garissa, and Homa Bay, their expertise is trusted. They’ve even won global awards for their WASH innovations.
- It’s not just about providing services—it’s about empowering communities. In return, communities take ownership of the projects, ensuring they thrive.
- Global progress on water and sanitation is falling behind. Every project like this is a reminder of how much more needs to be done—and why we must act now.
What’s Next?
The success in Mombasa isn’t the end of the story—it’s a beginning. Maji na Ufanisi is working to replicate this model in other parts of Kenya and beyond. Their approach shows that with the right partnerships and community engagement, even the toughest problems can be solved.
They’re also bridging the gap between science and real-world solutions. By collaborating with academic institutions like St. Paul’s University, they’re combining on-the-ground experience with research, ensuring these projects are both practical and innovative.
Final Word
Clean water and sanitation are more than basic needs—they’re a foundation for a better future. Maji na Ufanisi’s work in Mombasa is a shining example of what’s possible when communities, governments, and organizations come together with a shared vision.
But progress can’t stop here. As Maji na Ufanisi reminds us, the time to act is now. Let’s all play our part in ensuring “Water for All” becomes a reality—for everyone, everywhere.
