AIRD Staff and it's Makueni Partners Cut a Cake to Celebrate two years in Makueni. Photo by Caleb Kyalo. 
By Andrew Mbuva
The Africa Initiative for Rural Development (AIRD) has marked its second anniversary in Makueni County with celebrations that showcased transformative milestones in water access, youth empowerment, and community development.
Speaking during the event held on October 29, 2025, at the AIRD Offices in Makueni, the organization’s partners and government officials hailed AIRD’s initiatives for transforming lives across the county.
According to the Makueni Programs Manager Stella Kendi, since establishing its Makueni branch in 2023, AIRD has implemented two major safe water projects in Mutyambua and Kiima Kiu, providing clean and reliable water to more than 6,600 residents.
The Mutyambua Safe Water Project alone now serves over 3,000 people, connecting three schools, a hospital, a market, and multiple public water points. Similarly, the Kiima Kiu project benefits 3,645 residents, improving hygiene, creating jobs, and reducing waterborne diseases by 30 percent.
The projects have also seen communities form water management committees, while cumulative funds of over Ksh 500,000 have been raised locally to sustain maintenance.
Additionally, through a partnership with P&G, AIRD has distributed water purification sachets across six sub-counties—making 5.2 million liters of water safe for consumption and training 40 water officers and engineers.
Assistant County Commissioner for Makueni, Nancy Kimutai, praised the initiative, saying, “We are very grateful as the National Government to see the transformation AIRD has brought to our people. The water projects in Mutyambua and Kiima Kiu have really impacted our communities. We encourage NGOs to emulate AIRD’s example by sustaining projects for greater long-term impact.”
Beyond water, AIRD has also invested in human capital through its Learning for Life Programme, implemented in partnership with Diageo and the EABL Foundation.
Over 2,000 youth and women — including 84 persons with disabilities — have received training and certification in hospitality, entrepreneurship, and life skills.
At least 55 percent of the graduates have already found employment, started businesses, or secured industrial attachments, with 75 percent reporting positive behavioral change.
The organization has also launched the AIRDT Training Centre offering courses in hospitality, ICT, media, and business — creating a hub for technical and vocational excellence.
“Vocational education now values skill over certificates,” noted Real Muthoka, Principal Administrative Secretary in the Governor’s Office. “AIRD is leading that shift by equipping our youth with practical, life-changing skills. We pray for your continued growth and more partnerships to touch even more lives.”
Over the two years, AIRD has forged strategic collaborations with the County Government of Makueni, Soft-Eye Media Consultants, Water Mission, KickStart NGO, and EABL Foundation, among others.
These partnerships have driven initiatives in water, agriculture, vocational education, and civil society strengthening.
AIRD’s National Head of Programs, David Otieno, lauded the Makueni branch for its achievements. “I am proud of the partnerships and impact realized in just two years. Going forward, we intend to have an even bigger celebration and will ensure budget approvals are made on time to support our teams better,” he said.
The colorful event, which culminated in cake-cutting and community reflections, celebrated not just milestones but also the stories of resilience and transformation.
From students who now access clean water to youth securing dignified jobs, AIRD’s presence in Makueni continues to redefine what community-driven development can achieve.
As the organization looks ahead to its third year, it envisions deeper community engagement, expanded vocational training, and scaling up water and sanitation programs — a testament to its mission of empowering rural communities through innovation and sustainable partnerships.
