As the BIG Walk fundraising campaign gathers momentum, we share some powerful reflections from Maria Kidney, co-founder of BCW and project leader with the Harambee team of volunteers who travelled to Kenya in June. Maria’s reflections focus on the incredible milestones we have achieved over the years and more importantly, the deep and lasting impact we have made together. It is a reminder of why our BIG Walk fundraising challenge is more vital than ever.
The Harambee volunteers spent several days working, walking and living in Ndubusat during the month of June where BCW have been working with communities since 2005.
Maria shares .. “We’ve spent the past few days doing our own Big Walk here – walking for miles—through rain, mud, and steep hills—installing stoves, planting trees, and conducting post-installation surveys in the communities surrounding the Ndubusat Campsite: Nyairobi, Jagoror, Ndubusat, Kimugul, and Kaburenik.
Over three days, our Harambee team installed 40 energy saving stoves in vulnerable households, directly improving the lives of over 250 people. These stoves are changing lives by reducing smoke inhalation, improving health, conserving firewood and helping protect the surrounding environment. It was tough going at times—but what stood out most were the smiles, the welcomes, endless cups of chai and the sheer craic along the way!
The gratitude from households was overwhelming, and on the Saturday, after tree planting across the villages, the community came together to thank the volunteers. There was singing, dancing, story-sharing, and a celebration of change—hosted at Ndubusat Girls’ School (founded by BCW!).
We heard powerful stories of impact, of lives changed, of communities working together—across ethnicities, across villages, across generations. It was Harambee in action: people “pulling together”.
For me, there were moments I’ll never forget. One day, Martin* and I joined Reuben** to visit households and meet some of the women whose lives have been touched. We met a woman we first worked with in 2008 during peacebuilding efforts after post-election violence tore through her community. We met the aunt of the very first baby born in the clinic—Patrick Kipchumba, now in Form 4. And we saw water taps in households—thanks to the Ndubusat Gravity Water Scheme, delivering clean water where once there was none.
Next day, as I hiked with the volunteer team across the hills and valleys, it felt like walking in the footsteps of all those who’ve walked this journey with us over the years—volunteers, partners, community members, the BCW team.
But mostly, I thought about the women. The women who used to walk 19km to reach health services—often while in labour—and the many who didn’t make it. The women and girls who trekked daily down the mountain to collect water. The women who walked kilometres into the forest to gather firewood.
And now—things have changed. Health services are closer. Water is piped into households. Smokeless stoves reduce the need for firewood. Life for women and girls today is fundamentally different.
That’s what we were really celebrating on Saturday. Impact. Partnership. Change. Harambee in action.
Just one of those days … the special kind that stays with you”.
Will you join the BIG Walk? From now to October, we’re challenging individuals or teams to walk a collective 10,000km – the distance from Cork to Kenya – to help raise vital funds.
Whether it’s daily walks, jogs, or a team cycle, every kilometre counts.
Your support will help us ensure that more initiatives like those Maria describes can create real and lasting change across Kericho county.
Click here to sign up and find out more.
Right now, Maria and Martin are on their own BIG Walk trekking in the Himalayas click here to help us make a impact by donating to their BIG Walk.
* Martin Ballantyne, CEO of Brighter Communities Worldwide.
** Reuben Kimutai Koskei is Community Liason Officer with Brighter Communities Worldwide.
