For residents of the Loita Maasai community in Kenya, the construction of a much- awaited bridge marks the beginning of a new era. One where floods no longer isolate families, children are able to attend school without anxiety, and medical emergencies are no longer do-or-die situations on the riverbank.
On a bright and cheerful day, RedTribe joined community members, partners, and supporters to officially open the bridge.
“The bridge was the first demand from the people when we went almost two decades ago,”
“Floods would create a brief outing into an unfeasible journey, people lost their lives. This bridge is concrete & steel, but it is hope, unity, & prayers answered.”
For years, seasonal flooding would turn a school trip or a clinic trip into a dangerous, multi-day trek.
In early 2024, when the devastating El Niño rains struck, four people drowned attempting to cross the river. The need was clear, the bridge could no longer wait.
With renewed determination, RedTribe partnered with Bridging the Gap Africa, the community, and key sponsors including MAF to finally finish the project. MAF played a key role in the success of the project, providing critical flights that carried bridge engineers, stakeholders and materials into the remote location.
“What would take seven to ten hours by road took only 30 minutes by plane,” said Hennie.
“MAF's help made all the difference, not only in building but in bringing the right people together to make this vision a reality.”
The impact of the bridge was seen immediately. At the opening ceremony, an entire school walked 22 kilometres just to behold the structure, their first experience ever of a bridge. The children were nervous at first but soon overcame their fear and began crossing over, their shouts of laughter carrying across the river.
Old Maasai men, who had spent their entire lives with the inconvenience of the river, stood in awe, obviously moved by what this meant for the future of their people.
The beadwork manager at RedTribe said, “I live in a village across the river, and I would often struggle to come to work or even get food when the bridge was flooded... Other ladies would at times deliver at the riverbank since the river was impassible.
For Pamela, a long-time MAF flight coordinator, the experience of seeing the project site was a life-altering one. “For years, I have been sitting behind a desk, coordinating flights for RedTribe teams. I had many calls and emails from Hennie but had never seen their work in person,” she said.
“When I went there, I was amazed. They now have clean water, a health clinic, a school and economic opportunities. And now with the bridge, they can go get all of these essential services in safety.”
Through valuable partnerships and resolute determination, what was once only a dream is now a lifesaving reality, one that will support generations to come.
STORY / HILLIM GITONGA PHOTOS / ADRIAN BUTCHER