Community session in Tana River County on water filter use supports clean water access for families affected by flooding. Photo: IOM Kenya 2024/ Charlotte Ann Kataka.
In the wake of devastating floods that displaced more than 400,000 people in mid-2024, ongoing heavy rains have continued to jeopardize access to clean drinking water in several regions of Kenya. With the health and well-being of thousands at risk, swift humanitarian action was and continues to be necessary. Outreach to partners is key to accompany IOM’s comprehensive assistance in collaboration with the Government of Kenya.
In response, a collaborative effort between DHL Group, Wine To Water (WTW), and IOM Kenya, with support from USA for IOM, mobilized to provide clean water solutions to affected communities. Through this partnership, 1,000 high-quality water filters were delivered and distributed, ensuring families have access to safe drinking water.
A personal note from Wine To Water for water filter recipients. Photo: IOM Kenya >
Initial steps:
DHL GoHelp Disaster Response Team members prepare buckets for water filters. Photo: IOM Kenya 2024 / Grace Kae.
DHL Disaster Response Teams members demonstrate use of the bucket and water filter to produce clean water. Photo: IOM Kenya 2024/ Grace Kae.
Despite heavy rains in Tana River County making many roads impassable, and security challenges in some areas, DHL Group’s logistics expertise ensured the successful delivery of the 1,000 filters and buckets. As the world’s leading logistics company, DHL Group provided ground expertise. Distributions were completed by 1 December 2024.
The deliveries involved traversing more than 2,000 km to reach 15 destinations in one of the most flood-affected areas of the country; Garsen South and Garsen West, within Tana River County.
DHL Disaster Response Teams members demonstrate use of the bucket and water filter to produce clean water. Photo: IOM Kenya 2024/ Grace Kae.
Wine To Water provided training to IOM teams, who further disseminated guidance to households receiving water filters. Photos: IOM Kenya / Moses Otunga.
Empowering Communities for Lasting Impact
To ensure long-term benefits, Wine To Water offered training sessions for IOM Kenya staff and local teams, focusing on the proper use and maintenance of the filters.
Community sensitization sessions were held to educate families on the importance of safe drinking water and the effective use of the new filtration systems.
Sensitization on use of water filter with a community member in Garsen West. Photo: IOM Kenya 2024 / Charlotte Ann Kataka.
A Life-Changing Impact
With the distribution of 1,000 filters, approximately 6,000 people now have improved access to clean water. Community members expressed appreciation for the life-saving intervention:
Esha Halako Abae uses a water filter to clean water. Photo: Madina Gwiye Said.
“We use river water for our daily needs, though the river water is dirty. When we drink the water it affects us and harm us; the children get diarrhea, and the adults also. Sometimes we suffer from cholera and other diseases,” said Esha Halako Abae, a farmer from Garsen.
“But since we received these little filters and buckets things have improved. When people drink the filtered water, we are prevented from getting sick. Now we are living well, our children and our families. As residents we are happy with the tool we received.”
Mzaham Ali Islam and his 32 family members and his neighbors now use the water filter to clean their water. Photo: Madina Gwiye Said.
“We rely entirely on water from the Tana River, for drinking, cooking, and household needs, but the water is often dirty. When the river floods the water becomes even dirtier,” said Mzaham Ali Islam, a community leader from Garsen West Ward.
“When I fetch water from the river and pour it into the filter, it comes out crystal clear, cleaner than Mount Kilimanjaro’s water. It is safe and satisfying to drink. Since receiving this water filter, I have felt great relief. It has brought comfort to my family, eliminating the struggle of searching for clean water, and water treatment chemicals. This initiative has saved us from many waterborne diseases. I truly love this filter.”
IOM Kenya and USA for IOM also acknowledged the impact of this collaboration:
“We deeply appreciate the DHL Group’s support in ensuring the secure delivery of this critical aid, and Wine To Water’s generous contribution of water filters. This partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration in responding to humanitarian crises,” said Sharif Faisal, Head of Programmes, IOM Kenya.
“Access to clean water is a fundamental necessity, and this collaboration demonstrates how strategic partnerships can make a life-changing impact for communities in crisis. We are grateful to DHL Group and Wine To Water for their commitment to ensuring that families affected by the devastating floods in Kenya receive the support they need. USA for IOM is proud to stand alongside our partners in delivering sustainable solutions that promote health, dignity, and resilience.” said Luciano Arroio, Interim CEO of USA for IOM.
Expanding Humanitarian Logistics for Future Response
This successful initiative underscores a broader commitment between IOM and DHL Group, who recently announced a global partnership agreement aimed at strengthening humanitarian logistics and relief efforts worldwide. By leveraging expertise in logistics and humanitarian response, both organizations are committed to expanding their reach and improving emergency aid delivery for communities in crisis.
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