NAIVASHA, Kenya – A United Methodist church is boosting community health and revitalizing its mission at the same time through a clean water initiative.
In 2019, Trinity United Methodist Church in Naivasha received a $30,000 grant from the United Methodist Committee on Relief to install a reverse osmosis (RO) water purification system.
The borehole water in the area was naturally high in fluoride, posing serious health risks to families. Fluoride can have both positive and negative effects on health, and excessive levels can be harmful, according to the World Health Organization.
With the new reverse osmosis system, the church transformed unsafe water into clean, drinkable water – protecting lives and strengthening trust in the community.
“This initiative reflects the mission of The United Methodist Church,” said Bishop Daniel Wandabula, resident bishop of the denomination’s East Africa Episcopal Area, which includes the Kenya-Ethiopia Conference. “It combines evangelism, social holiness, health, and community transformation through access to safe and affordable clean water.”
The system serves about 5,000 people, including 550-600 schoolchildren at Trinity United Methodist Church, which receives water at no cost. Another 30% of the community receive water for free because they cannot afford it otherwise. Community members who have the means can buy water for about 5% of the cost of purchasing bottles from retail stores and church members also pay a lower price.
The Naivasha District oversees the system. “As the district, we provide leadership oversight, accountability, encouragement, and coordination to ensure that the RO water system is implemented responsibly and aligned with the church’s mission,” said the Rev. Paul Matheri, dean of superintendents for the district.
“From a bird’s-eye view, the community now sees the church not only as a place of worship, but also as a caring partner addressing practical needs and improving public health,” he added. “This project provides a strong model for other congregations in the district seeking sustainable ministry and community impact.”
The system, which includes a process for bottling water, quickly became more than just a health solution. It also generated steady income of about $700 monthly. A few businesses in the community buy Trinity’s water, such as a bakery, factory, and other retailers. These funds cover electricity, maintenance, and staff salaries, while supporting wider church development, including teachers at the church’s academy.
Improving Health for the Whole Community
For the Rev. Helen Waithira, pastor-in-charge of Trinity Circuit, the project has been transformative. “The RO water system has strengthened the church’s relationship with members and neighbors by providing a dependable source of safe water and hope to the community,” she said.
“The project demonstrates the gospel through compassionate service while also opening doors for evangelism, discipleship, and community fellowship,” she continued. “However, the major challenges include high electricity costs, maintenance expenses, filter replacement, and ensuring consistent technical support.”
She recalled the financial struggles before the project. “The church operated under limited resources and struggled to meet ministry and operational expenses consistently. Our major sources of funding were member offerings, tithes, small donations, and occasional support from partners. It was not enough. We struggled with utility bills, staff wages, and facility maintenance.”
The new system has eased the financial stress.
“The income from water sales helps cover electricity, salaries, maintenance, and operational costs, though rising power expenses remain a challenge,” said Project Manager Tabitha Waithira. “Monthly, the RO system generates steady income averaging $700. This supports church ministry, operational costs, and community programs as well.”
She emphasized the need for renewable energy. “To sustain the power requirements, solar energy is critical. It would significantly reduce electricity costs, improve sustainability, and allow more resources to support ministry and community development.”
Hamunyari Chigwada, a United Women in Faith representative, tasted the water during an April 10 visit by the joint United Methodist Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry boards of directors.
“I enjoyed the bottled water from the facility,” she said. “There was no smell of metals or chemicals, and it tasted pure. This is truly a good way to good health.”
Church member David Ndome shared how the project has touched lives. “We now have access to safer drinking water, leading to improved health, reduced illness, and better wellbeing for children and adults,” he said.
“The project has strengthened confidence in the church as a trusted institution that genuinely cares for community welfare,” Ndome said. “Our hope is that the church will expand clean water access, invest in solar energy, strengthen education programs, and continue transforming lives.”
Deacon Catherine Gachara, a community health volunteer, recalled the situation before the project.
“The community would use fluoride-rich borehole water, which contributed to dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis, joint problems, and other long-term health complications,” she explained. “Children, pregnant women, and the elderly were especially vulnerable. Families often relied on boiling water, purchasing expensive bottled water, or traveling long distances to access safer sources.”
She contrasted that with the present. “With this project, the community has experienced improved access to safe water, better hygiene, and reduced exposure to fluoride-related health risks. There are encouraging signs of reduced dental complications and improved overall health awareness.
“Family medical expenses associated with waterborne and fluoride-related illnesses have been reduced,” Gachara continued. “Long-term benefits may include healthier children, reduced chronic illness, improved quality of life, and stronger public health outcomes.”
Next Steps for Improved Sustainability
Despite the successes, challenges remain. High electricity costs threaten sustainability. Leaders see solar energy as the next step to secure the project’s future.
Bishop Wandabula reflected on the broader significance. “From this, other churches can learn that mission projects become more effective when they address real community needs, such as health, education, and sustainability alongside spiritual ministry.
“The availability of renewable energy, especially solar power, will help churches reduce operational costs, strengthen outreach ministries, and sustain community-based development projects for the long term,” he said.
“We thank UMCOR for their financial support,” he added. “This project has supported not only the church and its members, but the community at large. It is a living testimony that when the church responds to real needs, it embodies Christ’s mission of compassion and transformation.”
The Rev. Paul Matheri is the dean of superintendents, Naivasha District, in the Kenya-Ethiopia Conference. Kudzai Chingwe is Africa content development coordinator for Global Ministries.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)
Founded in 1940, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is the global humanitarian relief and development agency of The United Methodist Church. A part of Global Ministries, UMCOR’s work extends worldwide, including within the United States and its territories.
A gift to UMCOR can share love and concern with communities far and wide.
This content was originally published by The General Board of Global Ministries; republished with permission by ResourceUMC on June 26, 2026.