A Year Later: Elunyu Community

A year ago, your generous donation enabled us to protect Saina Spring for Elunyu 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 local team member Wilson Kipchoge with you.

When visiting families in Elunyu, you are welcomed by clean yards and the presence of tippy taps (handwashing stations) near the latrines. Their environment is very clean and green with flowers and trees that make the entire community attractive.

The people here now consume very safe water unlike before, when they used to drink contaminated water from the unprotected spring. Many households now have safe sanitation facilities compared to the past when they risked their lives by using unsafe latrines.

All these changes are attributed to fact that Saina Spring was protected and the corresponding hygiene and sanitation training done a year ago.

"Since last year, I drink safe water from the spring since it is free from any kind of contamination. I normally take a bath using safe and pure water which makes me feel so fresh after playing with my friends," said 9-year-old Maximila Nekesa during a recent visit to the spring.

Maximila Nekesa

The community members are really happy about the project and hope that the donors and their partners will reach out to other needy communities. Their water looks very clean and safe for human consumption, and there are no traces of impurities or particles.

Protection of the 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 project in Elunyu Community is changing many lives.

"Previously, we used to drink water which was contaminated with frogs and other aquatic animals. We believe that contributed to the majority of cases of waterborne diseases. Since the project was done in our community, we now consume safe and pure water from the spring," said Herman Kaongeli.

Field Officer Wilson Kipchoge and Herman Kaongeli

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.