Mudindi Community

April, 2026: Mudindi Community Spring Protection Complete!

Your contribution has made access to clean water for the Mudindi Community possible!

We transformed their spring into a flowing source of naturally filtered water. A chlorine dispenser is installed to provide added protection, and we trained the community on improved sanitation and hygiene practices. Together, these components will unlock the opportunity for community members to thrive!

Ms. Orasha.

"My children will no longer be affected by water-related illnesses that once affected their health. My son, who is now in grade six, will no longer miss school due to sickness caused by unsafe drinking water. With consistent school attendance, his performance will improve, helping him unlock his full potential. I believe this will enable him to achieve his dreams of becoming a teacher," shared Everline Orasha, a 37-year-old farmer.

Children were just as excited as adults about clean water access!

Emmanuel at the protected spring.

"I will no longer miss school due to drinking unsafe water. Attending school regularly will help me achieve better academic performance. Besides that, I will be able to have more time to spend with my friends, either playing or discussing academic matters," said 12-year-old Emmanuel.

Preparing for Spring Protection

Community members worked together to source all locally available construction materials for the spring. These included bricks, sand, stones, and fencing poles. Because people have to carry most items by hand, the material-collection process can take anywhere from a few weeks to months.

"The community demonstrated [a] strong commitment in gathering locally available materials for the successful implementation of their water point. Those who were unable to contribute materials had offered their support by assisting artisans with manual labor. This reflected unity among them with [a] shared goal of gaining access to safe, clean water. Elderly men took the lead to ensure the water point was constructed well. They said that this has been their heart's desire since they wanted their younger generation to have access to safe water, unlike them, who were really impacted negatively by water-related illnesses," shared Field Officer Nelly Chebet.

When the community was ready, we delivered the remaining construction materials, including cement, plastic tarps, and hardware. Then our construction artisan and field officers deployed to the spring to begin work.

Protecting the Spring: A Step-by-Step Process

First, we excavated the spring area. This includes digging a drainage channel below the spring and several runoff diversion channels above and around the spring to help divert surface contaminants away.

To ensure community members could still access water throughout the construction process, we also dug temporary channels around the construction site to allow water to continue to flow. Excavation created space for setting the spring's foundation.

Excavating the spring.

After establishing the base, made of thick plastic, wire, concrete, and waterproof cement, we started brickwork to build the spring walls and stairs. Once the walls were tall enough, we began one of the most crucial steps: setting the discharge pipe. The discharge pipe needs to be positioned low enough so the water level never rises above the spring's eye, yet high enough to allow room for the average collection container (20-liters) to sit beneath the pipe without making contact, to prevent cross-contamination.

Starting the brickwork.

If we place the pipe too high, back pressure could force water to emerge elsewhere. Too low, and community members would not be able to access the water easily.

Setting the discharge pipe.

In coordination with the walls and stairs, we cemented stones on both sides of the spring's drainage channel. These stones discourage people and animals from standing in that area, which could cause soil erosion and a clogged drainage area.

Adding tile to the spring floor to prevent erosion.

We then cemented and plastered the spring walls. These finishing layers reinforce the brickwork and prevent water in the reservoir from seeping through. In turn, enough pressure builds to push water out through the discharge pipe.

As the walls cured, we finished the stairs and installed tiles beneath the discharge pipe. The tiles protect the concrete from the falling water's erosive force.

Plastering the spring box walls.

We redirected the temporary diversion channels back into the reservoir box and closed all other exits to force water through only the discharge pipe. We filled the reservoir area with the large, clean stones, arranging them in layers like a well-fitting puzzle. We covered the rocks with thick plastic and piled enough dirt on top to compensate for future settling.

Community members planting grass.

Community members transplanted grass to help prevent erosion, and the collection area was fenced. The fence prevents people or animals from walking in the area above the spring, as compaction of this area can potentially compromise water quality.

Installing fencing to protect the spring area.

The construction process took about two weeks of work and patience. As soon as the spring was ready, people received permission from their local field officers to fetch water.

Community members celebrating clean water!

We officially transferred ownership of the waterpoint to the Mudindi Community. Happiness and thanksgiving flowed in all directions!

Training on Health, Hygiene, and More

Together with the community, we determined their preferred training date. When the day arrived, facilitators Jonathan Mutai and Nelly Chebet deployed to the site to lead the event. 12 people attended the training, including seven women and five men.

Proper handwashing session.

We discussed personal, oral, and environmental hygiene, emphasizing proper water handling, soap-making, and the ten steps of handwashing. We also highlighted the importance of primary health care and covered the operation and maintenance of the water point, as well as leadership and governance. By the end of the training, each participant had a clear understanding of their role in maintaining clean water and promoting good health within their community.

Soap-making session.

We held an election for the newly formed water user committee, which will oversee the maintenance of the spring. We brainstormed income-generating activities and encouraged them to start a group savings account for future minor repairs to the spring.

Dental hygiene session.

"Dental hygiene prompted the most discussion among participants. Many wanted to know the difference between the toothpaste bought in shops and that sold in [the] open market. Most participants believed that toothpaste from the market was better because it came in a larger quantity, making it more suitable for families and lasting longer. They were also very curious to know why they should not rinse their mouth after brushing. The facilitator encouraged them to buy toothpaste from shops rather than in open markets, explaining that toothpaste should be stored in a cool, dry place for safety," shared Ms. Chebet.

Ms. Nyangazi.

Rose Nyangazi, 47, shared her experience of the training. "Being taught about income-generating activities such as soapmaking and farming, including vegetable planting and animal rearing, has really opened up my mind. Venturing into soapmaking will not only help improve my income, but also promote better hygiene practices in my home and community as well."

Thank you for making all of this possible!

February, 2026: Exciting Progress in Mudindi Community, Thanks to You!

We’re thrilled to share that, thanks to your generous support, significant change is coming for Jesca Anini and the entire Mudindi Community. Construction has begun on the spring protection project, bringing them one step closer to having clean, reliable water.

But that's not all—during construction, we’re also providing vital health training. These sessions equip the community with essential hygiene practices, ensuring that the benefits of clean water extend to lasting health improvements.

We’re so grateful for your role in making this possible. Stay tuned for more updates—soon, we’ll be celebrating the arrival of safe water in the Mudindi Community!