Project Status



Project Type:  Protected Spring

Regional Program: Western Kenya WaSH Program

Impact: 320 Served

Project Phase:  In Service - Mar 2016

Functionality Status:  Functional

Last Checkup: 10/02/2024

Project Features


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Community Profile

This project is a part of our shared program with Western Water And Sanitation Forum (WEWASAFO). Our team is pleased to directly share the below report (edited for clarity, as needed).

Background Information

This unprotected spring is located in Wetai Village, Murumba sub-location in Shikoti location of East Butsotso ward within Lurambi constituency of Kakamega County. The spring is serving a total number of 40 households. The number of beneficiries is 320 people out of which 173 are female and 148 are male.

The community members around this spring are mainly farmers who grow food crops like maize, beans, cassava, and bananas for their own consumption. Some also grow sugarcane to sell.

In this community, roles are defined according to gender. Women engage themselves in household chores while most men go out to work as casual laborers in order to earn a living for their families. Women wake up in the morning and prepare their children to go to school, fetch water from the stream or spring, come back to work in their farms, prepare meals for their families, wash clothes, clean utensils and fetch firewood. The circle keeps repeating itself.

Access to clean and safe water is paramount to every individual in the world. Safe water enhances health of the community members and thus faster development can be realized. However, thousands of people in Kakamega County still have no access to clean and safe drinking water.  When men, women and children have no access to safe and clean drinking water, development stagnates.

The Current Source

Community members around Musembe Spring are not exeptional. They have no access to safe and clean drinking water. This is due to the fact that the spring is located on the lower side of a farm and since it is unprotected, it is open to contamination by surface runoff. Farming activities are also done very close to the water catchment area, further contaminating water in terms of fertilizers being washed into the open water source. Other sources of contamination are from human activities such as stepping into the water to fetch or open defication, and soil erosion.

Locals use Musembe Spring's water for domestic uses such as irrigating farms and watering animals. Water is fetched by stepping into the water to scoop it with a small container which is then poured into a 20-liter jerrycan. Once home, water is then stored in a pot. Most of these containers do not appear to be clean, although community members wash them using water, sand and leaves.

Since it is obvious the water is dirty, many community members choose to boil it before drinking. However, boiling it or not, the water still causes waterborne disease to be rampant in this area. Diseases suffered from are typhoid, cholera, malaria, and other cough-related complications.

While collecting the baseline information we met Albert, a husband and a father of three children. Albert Nandi is one of the spring beneficiaries who has been suffering from typhoid for three years. "I have spent more than 40,000 Kenya shillings on medication. This really pains me because if I was getting clean and safe drinking water, I would have used the money to do income-generating activities," laments Albert. Albert is not alone; many community members have similar problems.

Sanitation Situation

Sanitation is also a challenge in this community. Most of the community members lack sanitation facilities like latrines, dish racks, clotheslines and compost pits. Most latrines observed are in poor condition, without roofs or doors. Floors made of wood rot away and pose a threat to children and the elder. Because of this, most of the community members resort to relieving themselves in the bushes. This worsens the sanitation and hygiene situation in this area.

Training Sessions

Hygiene and sanitation training will be held over the course of two days: the first day is for learning new health practices, and the final day is meant for the education and formation of a Community Health Worker Group. The training facilitator plans to use CLTS (Community-Led Total Sanitation), group discussions, demonstrations, and a transect walk to teach hygiene and sanitation. The transect walk will teach locals to watch for practices that go on and facilities that are present related to good health and hygiene. Sometimes, a participant feels shame when the group arrives at their household and points out things that are unhealthy or unhygienic; but in Kenya, this affects people to make a positive change. Training participants will also vote on and decide the families that should benefit from the five new sanitation platforms.

Solution

Having seen the need in this community and their willingness to join hands with development partners, we propose that this spring should be considered for protection. This, coupled with training, will eliminate all contamination routes.

Project Results: Training

Training was held at Musembe Community Church. The village elder mobilized all of the participants, most of who are either part of the Water User Committee (WUC) or Community Health Workers (CHW). On arrival, the community members warmly welcomed the WEWASAFO team and quickly gathered for the start of sessions. One could easily see their enthusiasm and joy from how they were acting; a sign that the project had been fully accepted and that the community was willing to learn more. The participants were very active and involved throughout the training.

WUC topics were as follows:

- Leadership

- Group dynamics

- WUC roles and responsibilities

- Water point management and maintenance

- Water-related diseases and their prevention

During Community Health Worker training, they covered:

- Primary healthcare

- Common local diseases

- Environmental and personal hygiene

- Handling water properly

- Hand-washing

Training went smoothly, and participants were very grateful for all of the knowledge they gained. "I have gained a lot of useful information and the one I enjoyed most was learning how to wash my hands the right way. I will go and teach all my children... how to do the same so that we all avoid diarrhea," local farmer Henry Wesaya commented.

Project Results: Spring Protection

Construction began on January 15th, and began with the collection of locally available materials such as bricks, sand, and ballast. The site was cleared and excavated at the discharge point until three feet of water was flowing. Hardcore was mixed and then cast to form the foundation and walls for the catchment area. Pipes were fitted, drainage dug, and the site was fenced in, all of which presented no challenge to the construction team.

During construction of the spring protection project, the elderly men of this community slaughtered a chicken for the artisans as their form of prayer that the spring would last for a very long time. The community members could not wait for the project to be handed over to them since they were eager to draw fresh water.

The spring is now protected and free from surface run off. All the contamination routes have been blocked. Women and children now have an easier time drawing water as opposed to when they had to step into the water to fetch. Now that construction is complete, the community members are very happy and satisfied with the project. Local mother Nancy could not hide her joy:

"I am very happy about this project. For many years, politicians have used this spring as their campaign tool. Every election time they persuade us that if we vote for them they will help us protect but once they are elected, you will never see them," said Nancy, "For now I know the health of my family members will improve since we are getting safe water. I would really wish to shake hands with the donor of this project. But before that happens, may the heavens bless them for putting a smile on my face and the entire community."

Sanitation Platforms

In order to prevent contamination of the water sources resulting from open defecation, five vulnerable households that lacked toilets received sanitation platforms. The sanitation platforms for Musembe Spring are now serving a total of 30 family members.

Thank You for your generous heart that makes all of this possible!

Project Updates


June, 2020: COVID-19 Prevention Training Update at Wetai Community, Musembe Spring

Our teams are working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Join us in our fight against the virus while maintaining access to clean, reliable water.

Facilitators explain the prevention reminders chart

We are carrying out awareness and prevention trainings on the virus in every community we serve. Very often, our teams are the first (and only) to bring news and information of the virus to rural communities like Wetai, Kenya.

We trained more than 31 people on the symptoms, transmission routes, and prevention of COVID-19. Due to public gathering concerns, we worked with trusted community leaders to gather a select group of community members who would then relay the information learned to the rest of their family and friends.

Social distancing at training

We covered essential hygiene lessons:

- Demonstrations on how to build a simple handwashing station

- Proper handwashing technique

- The importance of using soap and clean water for handwashing

- Cleaning and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces including at the water point.

Handwashing with Trainer Rose

We covered COVID-19-specific guidance in line with national and international standards:

- Information on the symptoms and transmission routes of COVID-19

- What social distancing is and how to practice it

- How to cough into an elbow

- Alternative ways to greet people without handshakes, fist bumps, etc.

- How to make and properly wear a facemask.

Trainer Janet Kayi emphasizes waving as the new greeting norm

During training, we installed a new handwashing station with soap near the community’s water point, along with a sign with reminders of what we covered.

Due to the rampant spread of misinformation about COVID-19, we also dedicated time to a question and answer session to help debunk rumors about the disease and provide extra information where needed.

Prevention reminders chart installed at the spring

We continue to stay in touch with this community as the pandemic progresses. We want to ensure their water point remains functional and their community stays informed about the virus.

A community leader addresses the group while wearing his mask

Water access, sanitation, and hygiene are at the crux of disease prevention. You can directly support our work on the frontlines of COVID-19 prevention in all of the communities we serve while maintaining their access to safe, clean, and reliable water.




November, 2017: A Year Later: Musembe Spring

A year ago, generous donors helped build a spring protection and sanitation platforms for the community surrounding Musembe spring 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 partner Jonathan Mutai with you.




Project Photos


Project Type

Springs are water sources that come from deep underground, where the water is filtered through natural layers until it is clean enough to drink. Once the water pushes through the surface of the Earth, however, outside elements like waste and runoff can contaminate the water quickly. We protect spring sources from contamination with a simple waterproof cement structure surrounding layers of clay, stone, and soil. This construction channels the spring’s water through a discharge pipe, making water collection easier, faster, and cleaner. Each spring protection also includes a chlorine dispenser at the waterpoint so community members can be assured that the water they are drinking is entirely safe. Learn more here!


"I would really wish to shake hands with the donor of this project. But before that happens, may the heavens bless them for putting a smile on my face and the entire community."

Nancy

A Year Later: Musembe Spring

September, 2017

“The production in subsistence farming has increased due to good health enjoyed now after project implementation and the increase in work force or labor force,” said community member Henry.

Keeping The Water Promise

There's an incredible community of monthly donors who have come alongside you in supporting clean water in Wetai Community, Musembe Spring.

This giving community supports ongoing sustainability programs that help Wetai Community, Musembe Spring 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 spring protection and sanitation platforms for the community surrounding Musembe spring 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 partner Jonathan Mutai with you.

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YAR_4563_2Musembe spring implementation has changed the lives of the community members as waterborne diseases that used to be a threat are now a thing of the past. Community members drawing water from this spring are now enjoying good health as they are accessing safe and clean water for drinking and for general chores. They are now investing their resources in the right way unlike before where they could spend their resources in seeking medications rather than development.

The project beneficiaries still need improvement in water handling to ensure that the current clean water accessing from the protected spring are maintained clean. Also operation and maintenance of the facilities needs improvement as the staff we will conduct monitoring and evaluation to ensure that the facilities serves the intended purpose.
YAR_4563_1Jonathan spoke with community member Henry Musemi about any changes after the spring protection. “The production in subsistence farming has increased due to good health enjoyed now after project implementation and the increase in work force or labor force,” said Henry. “Before the project implementation, in a family of five you could find three people are sick hence relying on two people. Then the ratio of consumption to production couldn't merge.”

15-year olYAR_4563_4d Nikson Mutami also said “I am accessible to safe and clean water at any time I want. Water that is free from diseases. It is unlike before where I usually miss going to school just because of water borne diseases.”

This spring protection water project has greatly helped the community members. They are now enjoying safe and clear water for drinking as well as for the general use. The community members are welcoming and hardworking people, their environment looks conducive as they do planting of trees that beautify their environment and bringing good breeze.

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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.


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 Wetai Community, Musembe Spring 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 Wetai Community, Musembe Spring – 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.


Contributors

Archery Transport LLC
Sims Chapel Missionary Baptist Church
William S & Blair Y Thompson Family Foundation
Girl Scouts Troop 1152
6 individual donor(s)