Project Status



Project Type:  Protected Spring

Program: Kenyan Spring Protection

Impact: 210 Served

Project Phase:  In Service - Sep 2015

Functionality Status:  Functional

Last Checkup: 01/10/2024

Project Features


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Community Profile

This project is a part of our shared program with Western Water And Sanitation Forum. Our team is pleased to directly share the report below (edited for clarity, as needed).

Background Information

This unprotected spring is located in Kakamega East, and Shinyalu division, Shidodo location, Khayega sub-location, Isukha South ward and Machina Village.

The land owner admits that the spring serves a great number of people totaling to over 30 households, out of which 95 are male and 115 are female including children. This unprotected spring is located in a low area and its also surrounded by bushes, thus open to contamination. Many people who lack latrines defecate close to the water point and during the rainy season the surface run off carries the waste into the water. This was evident from the fresh faeces seen in the bushes near the water point. This has resulted in constant outbreaks of many water related diseases like the flu and typhoid .

Hygiene practices are also poor  among the community members with many people not washing their hands after toilet use. Many of the household compounds were unclean. Few people had dish racks, clothlines or traditional bathrooms.

This community is in dire need of support and is urging WEWASAFO and The Water Project to consider them and protect the spring so that they can reduce waterborne diseases and engage in other economic activities.

Results of the Project:

Community members were happy to participate in WEWASAFO WASH (water sanitation and hygiene) training. Participants admit that these hygienic practices are a lot easier to do then they first thought. These habits include hand washing after every latrine use and before food preparation, boiling water before drinking, thoroughly cooking food, and digging compost pits for waste disposal.

Spring Protection

Protection of Petro Maloba spring is complete and now in use by community members.

Before, laboratory tests confirmed the spring was contaminated. After the protection project and catchment area conservation, the situation is completely different. And because of the sanitation platforms installed (see below), there is almost no run-off from human waste. Locals are now accessing safe and clean drinking water. The cases of water-borne diseases are expected to decrease.

Sanitation Platforms

Five sanitation platforms were installed in the community, eliminating run-off that contaminated the spring. Community members admit that it is more comfortable to use the slab because the floor is safe, clean, and easy to maintain.

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Project Photos


Project Type

Springs are water sources that come from deep underground, where the water is filtered through natural layers until it is clean enough to drink. Once the water pushes through the surface of the Earth, however, outside elements like waste and runoff can contaminate the water quickly. We protect spring sources from contamination with a simple waterproof cement structure surrounding layers of clay, stone, and soil. This construction channels the spring’s water through a discharge pipe, making water collection easier, faster, and cleaner. Each spring protection also includes a chlorine dispenser at the waterpoint so community members can be assured that the water they are drinking is entirely safe. Learn more here!


Contributors