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.
Story by Hillim Gitonga.
On a bright and cheerful day, RedTribe, a Christian development agency founded by Hennie and Becca Marais, joined community members, partners, and supporters to officially open the bridge. The event was not so much about ribbon-cutting but about restoring dignity, access, and safety to over 2,000 people who had previously been cut off during heavy rains.
“The bridge was the first demand from the people when we went around almost two decades ago,” Hennie reflected on the long history that made this a reality.
“Floods would create a brief outing into an unfeasible journey, and people lost their lives. This bridge is concrete and steel, but it is hope, unity, and 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.
“Olorte is desperately remote. 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.
Nontinanna Salaton, who works as 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. Our children would sometimes miss class and examination during the heavy rainy season. Other ladies would at times deliver at the riverbank since the river was impassable.
“Now that we have the bridge, accessing the hospitals, markets and schools is not going to be a challenge. I’d like to thank everyone who was able to make this happen.”
For Pamela Yasena, 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 in actuality, 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.”
As the Loita Maasai gaze forward, the true test of the bridge will be the long rains of the coming months. Already, though, the community knows that life is better. Through valuable partnerships and resolute determination, what was once only a dream is now a lifesaving reality, one that will support generations to come.