Water, Partnership, and Progress: How We're Building Resilient Systems with Xylem

At Engineers Without Borders USA, we believe in the power of people and the strength of collaboration. Together with Xylem, we’re not just addressing urgent water needs. We’re co-creating lasting change. Our partnership is about more than pipes and pumps. It’s about building systems that communities can rely on for generations.

Investing in Kenya, Empowering Local Leadership

In Kenya, nearly half the population lacks access to clean water. But we see more than a challenge. We see opportunity. Kenya’s future is bright, fueled by a dynamic workforce, political stability, and bold local leadership. That’s why we’ve launched our Purposeful Partnership Model (PPM) in the country, with a goal to provide 500,000 people with sustainable access to clean water over the next three years.

Through this model, we’re not working alone. We’re strengthening Kenyan NGOs, investing in local leaders, and teaming up with universities and professionals across the U.S. We know that successful community-driven efforts are a direct result of local input, global solidarity, and shared purpose.

Measuring What Matters: People and Impact

Our approach is built on partnership and backed by results. In East Africa, strategic support over three years enabled EWB East Africa to form strong ties with the Ministry of Water, leading to their selection for developing a national solar water pumping manual. This partnership not only enhanced their expertise in WASH healthcare projects but also resulted in a dramatic increase in project delivery, scaling from one project benefiting 1,000 people to seven projects reaching 484,000 beneficiaries by the third year. In Guatemala, we helped boost access from 10,000 to 700,000 beneficiaries annually. Now, with Xylem’s support, we’re applying the same capacity-building approach to Kenya.

But this isn’t just about numbers. It’s about community ownership. Each well, each training, each water access point is designed to be sustainable, climate-conscious, and community-led. We don’t impose solutions, we work with communities to co-create them, because we know each community has unique challenges and unique needs.

Looking Back to Look Forward: Lessons from Malawi

Our work with Xylem in Kenya builds on the momentum we’ve created together elsewhere. In Zomba, Malawi, we partnered with Xylem and Freshwater Project International to transform rural health facilities. In 2017, none of Zomba’s health centers had functioning water systems.

By 2024, every single facility had clean, running water. The result? Safer births. Healthier babies. And a significant drop in infections. One local leader, Mr. H. Mwale, described the impact:

“Both patients and staff are able to access potable water, hence improved health… Thank you so much.”
— Mr. H. Mwale, Lambulira Health Facility In-Charge

This is what partnership looks like in action, and it’s exactly the kind of progress we’re ready to replicate and scale in Kenya.

Engaging Engineers, Inspiring Future Leaders

We know that solving water isn’t just a technical challenge. It’s a human one. That’s why this partnership doesn’t end with infrastructure. Through employee engagement and STEM outreach, we’re creating opportunities for Xylem’s team to mentor, volunteer, and connect with our work. From site visits to co-facilitated classroom sessions, we’re shaping the next generation of water champions together.

Our goal is bold but clear. Deepen clean water access, expand local capacity, and ensure that resilience is built into every system.

Why This Partnership Matters

Over three years, Xylem is investing significant financial resources in this transformative work, along with in-kind product donations and employee expertise. Together, we’re building a foundation not only for clean water, but for education, health, and opportunity. This is catalytic funding that helps us move faster, smarter, and more sustainably.

Because when we invest in people and co-create with communities, we don’t just build infrastructure. We build trust, dignity, and long-term change.

Let’s Keep Solving Water Together

We’re proud to stand alongside Xylem in this work. Proud of what we’ve accomplished in Malawi. Energized by what’s unfolding in Kenya. And inspired by the engineers, partners, and communities driving it all forward.

Let’s keep building systems that last. Let’s make water accessible for all. And let’s do it together.