In his lifetime, Patrick Kilonzo Mwalua, fondly known as Tsavo’s Waterman, dedicated his time to deliver water to drought-stricken wildlife in Tsavo National Park.
Patrick, who died in June 2024 at the age of 51, was known for renting a water truck to travel long distances daily to fill dry waterholes, helping save elephants, buffaloes, and other animals.
Although he received national and global accolades for his efforts, one of his major visions remained unaccomplished before his death.
Patrick Mwalua receives the Head of State Commendation medal from then Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala in Nairobi on July 24, 2019.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
The conservationist had dreams of enabling residents of the Kajire village in Sagalla, Taita Taveta County access clean water without struggling.
A year later, a borehole project has been launched in his memory, aiming to serve over 6,000 residents who previously endured up to 10 days without a reliable water source.
The initiative, spearheaded by HG Kaplan Foundation, has started transforming the lives of the residents in seven villages in the area.
Curb human-wildlife conflict
“This was his vision. He believed that his community should not suffer for water, and he wanted to extend access to the most vulnerable areas. I had promised to carry on with that mission,” said his widow, Ms Rachel Kilonzo.
The borehole now serves households, two primary schools, a dispensary, and hundreds of livestock. Locals say the project will curb human-wildlife conflict.
“People used to walk for miles, risking encounters with elephants just to fetch a jerrycan of water. Now that water is within reach, a lot will improve and farming will slowly pick up,” said Alfred Mwakolo, an elder in Kajire village.
Ahadi Kenya Trust executive director Dr Stanley Kamau urged political leaders to support such efforts instead of politicising development initiated by well-wishers.
“We have seen a lot of bad politics creeping into what should be a collective effort. When someone brings progress, the assumption is always that they want to run for office. That thinking must end. Whether it's water, education, or health, good politics must be people-centred,” he said.
“If locals can get water in their homes, their movement will be curtailed and conflicts with wildlife reduced. Let leaders collaborate, not compete," he said.
Residents are now calling on the county government to extend the project to neighbouring villages still grappling with acute water shortage.
