Give a Slum the Power to Bottle Its Own Water
On November 9th 2025, I’m running a half marathon to raise money for a bottling machine that will give clean water access to a slum in Kenya.
*as of 20-09-2025
- Improved Hygiene
- Employment for Young Women
- Bypass Cartels
Improve Access to Clean Water
500.000 People. 1 Water Service Point.
On March 8th 2025, Safe Water Community Service was launched in Nairobi’s second largest informal settlement. With a direct pipe connected to the Nairobi City Council Water System, Safe Water provides the only 100% clean and safe water option to the people of Mathari Slum.
With a current availability of 60.000 liters of clean water, Safe Water fills up 20 liter Jerrycans and trucks with water tanks. The next step is a bottling facility, which will expand the reach of clean water by supplying it to small businesses, community gatherings and sporting events.
Running for
Bottled Water Access.
My name is Matthijs Bouman, I’m 28 years old and currently living in Gouda, The Netherlands. For 13 years I was a heavy smoker, but this year, I turned my life around — and now, I’m running my first half marathon to do something that matters.
In 2023 I had the honour to meet Peninah Nthenya Musyimi, founder of Safe Spaces Organisation — a grassroots Community Based Organization (CBO) that educates, engages and empowers marginalized urban girls and young women in the Eastland slums of Nairobi, Kenya.
When I decided to run a half marathon, it was an absolute no-brainer to do it for this good cause. Now I’ll need your help to make the most out of this.
How it Works
Donating
The upcoming months I raise awareness for the Safe Spaces Nairobi water project. Every euro helps. Together, we’re making impact, step by step.
Running
On November 9th I’ll be running the Half Marathon in Gouda. It won’t be easy, but I’m doing it with purpose.
Safe Water
With the donations we help girls in underserved communities gain access to clean drinking water and safe sanitation
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does my donation go to?
Your donation goes directly to “Support voor Safe Spaces Organisation”. The funds are not routed through any middlemen or personal accounts. Every euro goes straight to purchasing the water bottling machine for the community.
How much money are you trying to raise?
Safe Spaces Organization is raising 39,500 euros to buy the equipment for purification and for bottling water to meet Kenyan Bureau of Standards (KBS). This campaign is meant to raise as much as possible to reach that goal.
Why are you running a half marathon for this?
It’s my way of turning a personal transformation into something meaningful. I used to be a heavy smoker and live an unhealthy lifestyle, now I’m running 21K to help others.
Is this a registered charity?
Yes, “Support voor Safe Spaces Organisation” is a registered ANBI foundation in The Netherlands.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
I recommend checking with your tax advisor or local tax authority to see if donations to international grassroots organizations like Safe Spaces Nairobi qualify for deductions.
How can I share or support without donating?
Spreading the word is just as important! Share the campaign with your network via social media, email, or word of mouth.
Why not a full marathon?
Maybe next year? 😅