February, 2022: Kitile B Clean Water Update!

You were a major part of establishing a sand dam in the community of Kitile B. When we install sand dams, we build up sand to raise the water table and naturally filter water. However, it often takes a rainy season or two for the projects to reach their full potential. We are thrilled to report the sand dam and shallow well are now filled with water and fully functional, providing clean water to the community. Thank you for making clean water a reality for this region. By having consistent access to reliable water, the people of this community’s health, energy, finances, and free time are sure to improve!

August, 2021: Kitile B Village Sand Dam Complete!

Kitile B, Kenya now has access to a new source of water thanks to your donation. We constructed a new sand dam on the riverbed, which will build up sand to raise the water table and naturally filter water. We also constructed a new hand-dug well with a hand pump adjacent to the sand dam, providing the community with a safer method to draw drinking water supplied by the dam.

"Access to reliable and safe water will enable me to engage in all the chores that are at home peacefully and on time," said Mutheu M., a 12-year-old student. "I will not have to spend time fetching water from scoopholes, because the water will be protected and safe for direct consumption.

"For now, I find it difficult getting back home with the donkeys carrying heavy jerrycans of water because the terrain is very sloppy. Through this project, I will easily fetch water and get back home without any strain. I will use the water to wash my clothes/uniforms, wash the house, cook, wash my utensils, and maintain proper hygiene and sanitation."

Sand Dam Construction Process

The community members collected all of the local materials like rocks and sand required to complete the dam. The collection of raw construction materials takes longer than the actual construction, lasting up to four months for a large sand dam. The group also dedicated their time and energy to support our artisans with physical labor throughout the project.

First, our team drew siting and technical designs and presented them to the Water Resources Management Authority. We also sent a survey to the National Environment Management Authority for approval before we began construction. Once approved, we established firm bedrock at the base of the sand dam wall. In the absence of good bedrock, we excavate to a depth at which the ground is firm enough to stop seepage.

Next, we mixed and heaped mortar (a mixture of sand, cement, and water) into the foundation, followed by rocks once there was enough mortar to hold them. We then used barbed wire and rebar to reinforce the mixture.

Once the foundation was complete, we built a timber skeleton to hold up the sludge and rocks above ground level. We then repeated the process until reaching a sufficient height, width, and length. Finally, we dismantled the vertical timber beams and left the dam to cure. This dam measures 36 meters long and four meters high, and took 750 bags of cement to build.

As soon as it rains, the dam will build up sand and store water. With this water, the surrounding landscape will become lush and fertile and the well will provide drinking water to the community. It could take up to three years of rain for this sand dam to reach maximum capacity, however, because sometimes it only rains once a year!

We worked with the Mbotela Self-Help Group for this project. The members and their families contributed materials and a tremendous amount of physical labor to complete the project. We trained the group on various skills, including bookkeeping, financial management, project management, group dynamics, and governance.

"Access to reliable and safe water will enable me to access clean drinking water within a very short distance as compared to how far we used to walk to fetch water for use," said George Munyoki, 62, who is a farmer, and also the group's chairman. "I will have enough water for hygiene and sanitation practices in my home. The water will be clean and also reduce the chances of contracting diseases because the water will be safe and protected.

"More of my time will be saved to engage in other income-generating activities. I will utilize the water for farming. I plan to engage in intensive farming activities because I believe the sand dam will harvest a lot of water for use here. I will plant vegetables such as spinach, kale, and coriander; I also plan to start fruit farming such as watermelons for agribusiness."

We also conducted hygiene and sanitation training to teach skills like soapmaking and improve behaviors such as handwashing.

New Knowledge

Our trainer conferred with the field staff about their previous visits to households and interviews with community members to determine which topics the community could improve upon.

The training took place at the sand dam site. The weather was moderately favorable as it was cold, chilly, and (at times) sunny. The training venue was accommodative as it had plenty of trees to provide shade. There was a very high turn-out, with all 45 members attending. They were very active throughout the training session: asking questions, volunteering to participate in the roleplay activities, and engaging each other in the hygiene and sanitation activities.

We decided to train on health problems in the community, good and bad hygiene behaviors, the spread and prevention of disease, sanitation improvements, planning for behavioral change, handwashing, and soap-making.

The most memorable topic for this group was COVID-19; specifically, preventing the spread, its cause, and ways of curbing the disease within the community. We had a tippy tap placed in a strategic place for handwashing to ensure that everyone observes protocols and government guidelines. The community members were very excited to learn how to make and wear masks, and how to protect themselves from contracting the disease through their way of living.

"The training was very helpful and knowledgeable," said Winfred Muinde, 45, the group's secretary. "We have learned a lot of skills, knowledge, and information such as soap making, proper handwashing procedure, and the importance of managing/ maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation.

"As a community, we will manage to sustain proper hygiene and sanitation practices thanks to the training that we have received."

When an issue arises concerning the sand dam, the group members are equipped with the necessary skills to rectify the problem and ensure it works appropriately. However, if the issue is beyond their capabilities, they can contact our field officers to assist them.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

June, 2021: Kitile B Village Sand Dam underway!

Dirty and unreliable water is making people in Kitile B Village sick. Thanks to your generosity, we’re working to install a clean water point and much more.

Get to know this community through the narrative and pictures we’ve posted, and read about this water, sanitation, and hygiene project. We look forward to reaching out with news of success!