History

Mesiaki Kimirei: A Legacy of Community Service through Pottery and Innovation

Mesiaki Kimirei (Kim), born on April 22, 1962, was the fourth of ten children in his family. His early education began at Oldadai Primary School, followed by secondary education at Enaboishu Secondary School. In 1986, Mesiaki embraced his passion for pottery, a craft he learned from his grandfather, and further attending a specialized training program in a village in the Manyara Region.


Pottery became more than just a skill for Kim; it was a means to uplift and support his community. His dedication and skill in pottery enabled him to give back significantly, creating a ripple effect of positive change.


In 2006, Kim’s journey took a transformative turn when he met Tracy Hawkins. Inspired by her vision and support, he learned the intricacies of producing water filters. Moreover, in 2010 he started to put the vision into practice by providing water filters to different communities mostly in Arusha and a few regions around the country. He did not have boundaries some of these ceramic water filters were taken to other East African countries. These filters became crucial tools in improving community health, marking a significant milestone in his mission to serve others.

The year 2020 brought unprecedented challenges with the outbreak of COVID-19. True to his innovative spirit, Kim led the charge in producing and designing water stands for handwashing, providing a vital resource in the fight against the pandemic. Tragically, his life was cut short in 2020, but his legacy was far from over.

His father, Yonas Kimirei, recognizing the profound impact of Mesiaki’s work, encouraged the family to ensure that his legacy lived on. Honouring this wish, Mesiaki’s wife, Stella Mesiaki, took up the mantle to continue his projects, sustaining the initiatives that had brought so much benefit to their community.

Mesiaki Kimirei’s story is one of passion, innovation, and relentless commitment to improving the lives of others. His legacy through SWCEA and WWEA continues to inspire and serve, embodying the spirit of community service and resilience.

Scroll to Top