Project Status



Project Type:  Dug Well and Hand Pump

Regional Program: Southeastern Kenya WaSH Program

Impact: 500 Served

Project Phase:  In Service - Sep 2016

Functionality Status:  Functional

Last Checkup: 08/20/2024

Project Features


Click icons to learn about each feature.



Community Profile

This project is a part of our shared program with Africa Sand Dam Foundation. Our team is pleased to directly share the below report (edited for clarity, as needed).

Welcome to the Community

The Itatini Self-Help Group was formed in the year 2012. It has a membership of 37 different households that come from three different villages: Mukimwani Village, Kivani Village, and Katitu Village. The total population from all three of the villages is about 1400. The villages are located in Mukimwani Sub-Location which has a population 5202 people as of last year. The area is one of the most densely populated areas and thus has a massive water shortage. (Editor’s Note: While this many people may have access on any given day, realistically a single water source can only support a population of 350-500 people. This community would be a good candidate for a second project in the future so adequate water is available. To learn more, click here.)

Economy

As of a 2015 survey, the main socio-economic activities for the group members include:

– 16.67% depend on causal labour. Causal labour is an activity where one engages on household related jobs which are not frequently available. They also depend on the season e.g. most causal labour happens during harvest time and planting season.

– 10 % are employed members in different professionals e.g. teachers

– 66.67 % of the group depend on farming while 6.67% operate small businesses.

Agricultural Practices

Agriculture is the livelihood for the community. ASDF works to empower farmers in practicing climate-smart agriculture which entails planting drought-tolerant seeds, tree-planting and digging of terraces to help conserve soil from erosion and boost soil fertility, thus improving the harvests of the farmers.

Water Situation

Itatini Self-Help Group's first sand dam was constructed at the end of 2015. The 2015 sand dam has only caught one rainfall, and needs one more before it is fully matured. This means that the community still doesn't have sufficient water to meet all of their agricultural needs, but looks forward to it in the future. People are accessing water from the scope holes dug by the sand dam, because the shallow well constructed alongside the dam is still surrounded by water. Once enough sand builds up, locals will be able to pump water that is naturally filtered by that sand. This first sand dam has reduced the water shortage, and prolonged rains have resulted in the sand dam harvesting water and building up sand to mature faster. However, another sand dam and shallow well are still needed to reduce the two kilometers traveled by some community members living further out.

In order to ensure equitable access of water for the large population, the community has decided to build several sand dams and shallow wells along the main river channels to ensure that all members have a fair distance to travel for water. A second sand dam is now being constructed. This hand-dug well is being placed adjacent to this new sand dam, and will save locals time often wasted digging scoop holes. The sand dam will follow the maturity process as outlined above, building up sand and raising the water table to create a natural, sustainable, filtered water source that is accessed from this well! Take a look at the sand dam project here!

Sanitation Situation

Since this is the second year of intervention with this self-help group, members have already attended hygiene and sanitation training. 100% of households have pit latrines that are well-ventilated, dug to no less than 15 feet, and are very clean. With these great conditions, open defecation isn't an issue anymore.  All of the households have useful tools like dish racks and clotheslines to dry belongings. Farmers have also been taught about composting, so each household has a large pit for compostable waste and a smaller one for garbage.

Most community members have at least received a basic education, providing them with a little knowledge on hygiene and sanitation. Even though training was conducted last year, minimal emphasis is put on practices like hand-washing and water treatment.

Plans: Hygiene and Sanitation Training

The refresher hygiene and sanitation training will be held for two days in the community. Self-help group members will share their schedules so that the most convenient time can be agreed on, and everyone will be alerted ahead of time. After our recent check-in with the community, the facilitator has decided to focus on the topics of hand-washing and water treatment.

Plans: Hand-Dug Well

The hand-dug well construction process is projected to take one month. The well will be lined with concrete and fitted with an Afridev pump. As the sand dam matures and provides more water for the well, the self-help group will monitor usage to ensure there is enough to go around.

This community's hard work and success during their first year, 2015, has inspired other self-help groups in the area. Many other members of the community who were not part of a self-help group have started the registration process! The Itatini Group is a role model for new groups as they start up, and these new groups are also looking to partner with us to build new water points in their communities!

Thank You for unlocking potential for the people in Itatini Self-Help Group so that they can inspire others and unlock their potential, too!

Project Updates


December, 2017: A Year Later: Itatini Self-Help Group Well

A year ago, generous donors helped build a shallow well for the Itatini Self Help Group in Kenya. Because of these gifts and our monthly donors, partners are able to 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 partners Mutheu Mutune, Joe Kioko and Titus Mbithi with you.




Project Photos


Project Type

Hand-dug wells have been an important source of water throughout human history! Now, we have so many different types of water sources, but hand-dug wells still have their place. Hand dug wells are not as deep as borehole wells, and work best in areas where there is a ready supply of water just under the surface of the ground, such as next to a mature sand dam. Our artisans dig down through the layers of the ground and then line the hole with bricks, stone, or concrete, which prevent contamination and collapse. Then, back up at surface level, we install a well platform and a hand pump so people can draw up the water easily.


A Year Later: Itatini Hand-Dug Well

November, 2017

Before this project, we would travel long distances in order to search for water – but since it came we no longer waste time because it is less than half an hour to reach this water point.

Keeping The Water Promise

There's an incredible community of monthly donors who have come alongside you in supporting clean water in Itatini Community 2B.

This giving community supports ongoing sustainability programs that help Itatini Community 2B maintain access to safe, reliable water. Together, they keep The Water Promise.

We’re confident you'll love joining this world-changing group committed to sustainability!

A year ago, generous donors helped build a shallow well for the Itatini Self Help Group in Kenya. Because of these gifts and our monthly donors, partners are able to 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 partners Mutheu Mutune, Joe Kioko and Titus Mbithi with you.


This hand-dug well has supported the community with clean water that is transforming lives. Time that was initially wasted looking for water is now used for income-generating activities. Livestock no longer lack drinking water and die during the dry months. Washing clothes is made easy due to the soft water from the project.

Thanks to the clean water this hand-dug well provides, cases of waterborne disease are at a minimum. As the adjacent sand dam continues to mature, more clean water will be available for even longer periods of time. The land itself is transforming from brown to green.

Justina Pius sharing about how her community has changed since just last year.

Justina Pius, the chairwoman overseeing this water project, had a lot to say. "The water from the well is soft and cooking our meals has been easy. The project has supported us through growing vegetables, and even the non self-help group members use the flowing water to irrigate their farms. This has transformed our environment and our children never lack food or even basic needs because we sell the farm products and get money. Our vegetables survive for long, unlike before. This project has enlightened us on income-generating activities... I had planted kales, spinach, pumpkins, onions and maize and income from these crop sales have enabled me to clear the school fee balance for my children! My family never lacks food to eat and we take three meals a day, unlike before when food was very scarce due to erratic rainfall. The environment has also changed and we hope to see it change [more] in the next few years."

Justina Pius proudly stands amidst all of the vegetables she's planted since this project's completion.

Her daughter Mwongeli told us, "I have become more clean and healthier because of the water available for washing my clothes and bathing. Before this project, we would travel long distances in order to search for water - but since it came we no longer waste time because it is less than half an hour to reach this water point. I could come home from school and go to fetch water at a far place back then. Due to long lines, sometimes I could go home without water at very late hours having waited for long! This was very risky for me because I was being exposed to dangers on my way back. I am now very grateful!"


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 four times a year. Read more about our program and how you can help.


Navigating through intense dry spells, performing preventative maintenance, conducting quality repairs when needed and continuing to assist community leaders to manage water points are all normal parts of keeping projects sustainable. The Water Promise community supports ongoing sustainability programs that help Itatini Community 2B maintain access to safe, reliable water.

We’d love for you to join this world-changing group committed to sustainability.

The most impactful way to continue your support of Itatini Community 2B – and hundreds of other places just like this – is by joining our community of monthly givers.

Your monthly giving will help provide clean water, every month... keeping The Water Promise.