Follow us over the course of a year as we help the community of Matopeni in Nairobi, Kenya, build clean water and sanitation facilities.
Having celebrated Christmas with their families, slum residents returned to Matopeni in the new year.
They were enthusiastic about tackling the final stages of Christian Aid partner Maji na Ufanisi's project, to bring water and sanitation to the settlement.
New Year, new look Matopeni
Matopeni resident Veronica Milla (left) has high hopes for the community in the coming year. 'In future, I see Matopeni shining,' she says.
For many of us, the new year was an opportunity both to set new goals and to reflect on the past year.
And for the community of Matopeni, January was a time to look forward to the end of Maji na Ufanisi's project which will be completed in just a few months' time.
The slum's residents will benefit from access to clean water, in addition to seeing the improved sanitation facilities that have already been constructed, delivering better health and a cleaner environment.
With new drains installed and homes having been moved to make space for them, and better organized community groups working with all residents, Matopeni has been literally transformed since January 2010.
Video: Urban planning in small spaces
Watch as Maji na Ufanisi's Judy Nduba shows us why the work has been so challenging at times.
Podcast: Reflections on the project
In this podcast, recorded six months after physical work began in Matopeni, Christian Aid's Mohamed Adow reflects on the slum's changes and how far the community has come - listen here.
Subscribe to Christian Aid podcasts in iTunes and get audio like this delivered to your device each Friday.
Storm drain reduces flooding
Maji na Ufanisi and the community have finished work on a storm drain to ease flooding during heavy rain.
The drain has already proved effective as although rain water continues to submerge Matopeni's main pathway after storms, excess water is carried away by the drain preventing homes from flooding.
Find out more about the benefits of the storm drain in this short film on YouTube, shot by Maji na Ufanisi.
