Developed during the SEED4AFRICA national hackathon in Kenya, DON BOSCO OASIS OF HOPE (DBOH) is a social-impact business initiative dedicated to water harvesting and sustainable water management in Marsabit County, Kenya, one of the country’s most arid and climate-vulnerable regions. The project addresses chronic water scarcity, seasonal flooding and long distances to water points that severely affect livelihoods, education and health.
At the core of DBOH is an integrated approach to capturing, storing and managing rainwater that is currently lost through non-perennial rivers during heavy rains. By constructing wells and dams along seasonal riverbeds, deploying water storage bags, and using solar-powered pumping systems, the initiative transforms destructive floods into a reliable water resource for households and livestock throughout dry periods.
Environmental sustainability is central to the model. DBOH promotes water purification through natural processes, including the planting of aquatic plants in dams, combined with tree planting around water points to restore ecosystems and reduce evaporation. These interventions contribute to climate change adaptation while creating what the project defines as an “oasis of hope” for local communities.
The initiative delivers both products and services, including purified household water, clean water for livestock, and bottled water for the tourism and events sector, alongside water distribution and packaging services. Market research highlights the high cost and poor quality of existing water supplies, positioning DBOH as an affordable, safe and community-driven alternative that prioritises social impact over profit maximisation.
By combining technology, renewable energy, community participation and ecosystem restoration, DON BOSCO OASIS OF HOPE fully embodies the SEED4AFRICA vision of empowering local actors to design sustainable, climate-smart solutions that improve wellbeing, reduce vulnerability and foster long-term resilience.