A Year Later: Bukhakunga Community

A year ago, your generous donation enabled us to protect Indiatsi Omukitsa Spring for Bukhakunga Community in Kenya. The contributions of incredible monthly donors and others giving directly to The Water Promise allow our local teams to visit project sites throughout the year, strengthening relationships with communities and evaluating the water project over time. These consistent visits allow us to learn vital lessons and hear amazing stories – and we’re excited to share this one from Janet Kayi with you.

Upon our arrival in Bukhakunga, we were met with the happy faces of women and children carrying water from the spring; their smiles showing just how grateful they are to access clean and safe drinking water.

"We no longer have to wait for the water to settle before fetching it. The water used to get dirty because we were fetching it by scooping, using a bowl and pouring the water into a jerrycan," Immah Luvanga explained.

"We now enjoy fetching through the pipe that is not open to contamination."

Immah Luvanga at the spring

We quickly noticed that good hygiene is being practiced, starting with family homes that are very clean. Bushes are cleared around the home and all the waste is carried to the compost pit. The tippy tap handwashing stations are placed at a strategic place near the pit latrines, and family members washing their hands after visiting the toilet.

"After we were trained in hygiene and sanitation, our compound is clean since we now clear the bushes around and collect the rubbish to the compost pit," Immah said.

Protection of this spring is only one step along the journey toward sustainable access to clean water. The Water Project is committed to consistent monitoring of each water source. Our monitoring and evaluation program, made possible by donors like you, allows us to maintain our relationships with communities by visiting up to 4 times each year to ensure that the water points are safe and reliable.

This is just one of the many ways that we monitor projects and communicate with you. Additionally, you can always check the functionality status and our project map to see how all of our water points are performing, based on our consistent monitoring data.

One project is just a drop in the bucket towards ending the global water crisis, but the ripple effects of this project are truly astounding. This spring in Bukhakunga is changing many lives.

This project has greatly improved lives in Kenya, and it is evident when you visit the community members in their homes. You will definitely see clean compounds, clotheslines, dish racks, and people who have access to clean and safe drinking water.

This is only possible because of the web of support and trust built between The Water Project, our local teams, the community, and you. We are excited to stay in touch with this community and support their journey with safe water.

Read more about The Water Promise and how you can help.