We are excited to announce that, effective today, Derrick Mesulamu has been promoted to Executive Director of the Athi River campaign. The 28-year-old will oversee the local water filter distribution to one-quarter of the total population of Athi River, Kenya, living in the city’s four slums.
“I first met Derrick in 2018 and believe the Lord has been using him in preparation for this very day to begin work in Athi River,” said Christopher Beth, founder, chief storyteller and director of The Bucket Ministry. “We are excited to see the efforts of bringing clean water to the residents of the Athi River slums grow under Derrick’s strong leadership.”
Born in Kampala, Uganda, Mesulamu is a graduate of Livingstone International University with a bachelor’s in science and media technology. He has served as our “Media Missionary” over the past three years, capturing video and photos throughout Kenya where the nonprofit works. Mesulamu and his fiancé will relocate from Nairobi to Athi River to serve in the Executive Director role.
Under Mesulamu’s leadership, we will partner with indigenous leaders and pastors to distribute Sawyer PointONE® filters connected to buckets to provide up to 20-plus years of clean, safe, drinking water.
“I am honored to move into this vital leadership role and partner with our local leaders to accomplish the great mission of equipping Athi River residents with clean water and God’s love,” said Mesulamu. “I’m grateful to Christopher and The Bucket Ministry team for allowing me this opportunity to join them in this mission.”
The filter has been proven to significantly reduce diarrhea rates, one of the most prevalent causes of illness and death from waterborne diseases. A recent study conducted in the informal settlement of Kibera in Nairobi, Kenya found that after approximately 70 days of filter use, self-reported diarrhea rates dropped from 52.7% to 2.2%.
We have provided 56% of Kibera with filters but seeks to serve 100% of Kibera and Athi River slum residents with generational access to clean water.
