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When families in Msomera reach their water containers, often there's nothing to draw. The ground is dry, the wells shallow, and what water remains is often salty or unsafe to drink. For the Maasai people, relocated here from the fertile lands of Ngorongoro - this new reality is harsh. What was once abundance has turned into scarcity.
While the government puts in efforts to battle the water issues, reliable infrastructure is still lacking. Many families still walk kilometres each day to collect muddy water for cooking and drinking. This leaves hundreds of households without sufficient access to clean water, threatening both health and traditional livelihoods.
Our Response
To address these urgent needs, REMO launched the Msomera Water Project. With the support of Tim Plückebaum from Switzerland, we have implemented sustainable and community-driven solutions. We work hand in hand with local government to ensure the water challenges in Msomera get resolved — and that our systems complement, rather than duplicate, public infrastructure.
We have constructed six rainwater harvesting systems across five schools and one dispensary in Msomera, directly benefiting over 5,000 people. Building on a successful pilot — which served seven households and more than 50 individuals — Phase 2 expanded the project to reach entire school communities and a local health facility. These installations collect rainwater during the short rain season and store it for use through the long dry months, reducing dependence on unsafe sources and conserving scarce groundwater.
Alongside rainwater harvesting, we distributed portable LifeStraw filters in our pilot phase, removing harmful bacteria and contaminants from local water sources so families can drink safely. More than a dozen filters reached households in this first stage.
Expected Impact
Rainwater harvesting at schools and the dispensary is transforming daily life in Msomera. Students and patients now have safer, more reliable access to water on-site — improving health outcomes, reducing time spent fetching water, and supporting better attendance and care. Beyond infrastructure, we emphasize education on the correct use and maintenance of these systems. Regular monitoring is carried out by locals, supported by visits from REMO staff and volunteers, including our founder, Emmanuel Saitoti, to ensure this project remains sustainable for the long term.
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