A Year Later: Murambi Spring

A year ago, generous donors helped build a spring protection and sanitation platforms with the community surrounding Murambi Spring in Western Kenya. Because of these gifts and contributions from our monthly donors, partners can visit project sites throughout the year, strengthening relationships with communities and evaluating the actual water project. These consistent visits allow us to learn vital lessons and hear amazing stories – we’re excited to share this one from our partner, Catherine Chepkemoi, with you.

Murambi Spring project has brought a great change in the community. Community members are now accessing clean, safe water for drinking as well as for general purposes and use. The rate of water borne and water related diseases has tremendously reduced. Much of their resources which they previously used while seeking medication have been saved. The money is now used for income generating projects like planting local vegetables which usually fetches high prices irrespective of the season thus more income for them. Household sanitation platforms have also awakened community members on the need of each homestead having a pit latrine. They have gone ahead and improvised containers just near their pit latrines for washing their hands after latrine visits as well.

Water User Committee member, Andrew Murambi shared what he has experienced since the spring was protected last year. “The biggest change is due to reduced water borne diseases, community members have channeled their resources towards serious farming. This is not only for subsistence but also pit for commercial as an agricultural business has emerged. We are so happy about this project.”

“I am now accessing safe clean water at any time I need it,” shared 5-year-old Joshua Matsakha. “I am happy drawing water from the pipe.”

Stepping at Murambi you could easily tell the changes that have been happening in this community since the project last year. The community members are very thankful for the safe clean water that are accessing now. Their environment looks neat, not only from farm plantation but also from flowers that they plant around their homestead. The community still needs improvement on how to store and handle their water on the way home after fetching and at home to ensure that water can't get contaminated. Besides that, we will conduct monitoring and evaluation for the spring so that it serves the intended purpose of community.

The Water Project and our partners are committed to consistent monitoring of each water source. Our monitoring and evaluation program, made possible by monthly donors, allows us to visit communities up to 4 times a year. Read more about our program and how you can help.