Daniel Bett is the Founder of Tigal Water Splash, a youth-driven non-profit organization in Kenya focused on expanding access to sustainable water and sanitation solutions in underserved communities. Through community-driven projects and youth leadership initiatives, the organization works to improve health, education, and long-term resilience by ensuring reliable access to clean water.
My name is Daniel Bett, and I am the Founder of Tigal Water Splash, a youth-driven non-profit organization in Kenya dedicated to expanding access to clean water and sanitation in underserved communities. My journey began with a deep passion for community development and youth empowerment. What started as a small community initiative called Youth for Change has grown into Tigal Water Splash, delivering sustainable water solutions and hygiene education across several counties. By empowering young people to lead community-driven projects, we aim to create lasting solutions that improve health, education, and livelihoods.
Here are the key highlights from the interview:
1. Can you share the inspiration behind founding Tigal Water Splash and what motivated you to enter the water solutions industry?
The inspiration came from witnessing families and children walk long distances every day to fetch unsafe water. Many children missed school, and water-related illnesses were common in the communities around me. I realized that clean water is not just a necessity, it is the foundation for health, education, and development. This realization led me to start Youth for Change, which later evolved into Tigal Water Splash.
2. As a founder, what key leadership principles have guided you in building and growing Tigal Water?
My leadership approach is guided by integrity, accountability, and collaboration. I believe sustainable impact comes from building trust with communities while empowering others to lead. By mentoring young leaders and fostering partnerships with stakeholders, we create solutions that extend beyond individual projects.
3. What are some of the biggest challenges you faced in the early stages of the company, and how did you overcome them?
Like many grassroots initiatives, we started with limited resources and minimal funding. Building trust with communities and partners also required patience. We focused on delivering small but meaningful results such as repairing hand pumps, installing rainwater systems, and training communities to maintain them.
4. How does Tigal Water aim to make a meaningful impact in providing sustainable and reliable water solutions to communities?
Our approach combines infrastructure with community empowerment. Alongside installing or rehabilitating water systems, we train youth and community members in maintenance, hygiene practices, and responsible water management to ensure long-term sustainability.
5. In your opinion, what role does innovation and technology play in improving access to clean and safe water today?
Innovation plays a vital role in making water solutions more reliable and sustainable. Technologies such as solar-powered pumps, water testing kits, and digital monitoring systems help ensure water safety and reduce system downtime.
6. What is your long-term vision for Tigal Water, and how do you plan to scale its impact in the coming years?
Our vision is to expand access to clean water and sanitation across more regions of Kenya and eventually beyond. We aim to scale through strategic partnerships, technology integration, and youth leadership programs.
7. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders who want to create businesses that solve real-world problems?
Start by deeply understanding the problem you want to solve and engage directly with the communities affected. Be patient and persistent, as meaningful impact takes time. Lead with empathy and integrity while focusing on solutions that genuinely improve people’s lives.
“When communities gain access to clean water, they gain health, dignity, and opportunity. That is the transformation we work toward every day.”
