Shisisini Community

April, 2026: Shisisini Community Spring Protection Complete!

Your contribution has made access to clean water for the Shisisini 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!

"Access to water solves a lot of problems, which in turn makes things easier for everyone. With safe water readily available, I can stop worrying about my health and that of my family and focus on generating income to secure my future," said Pauline Makokha. "This water point will address the fears that I had about the quality of water. It will also minimize or eradicate cases of waterborne illnesses that have been rampant since the old water point broke down."

Ms. Pauline Makokha.

Pauline is thankful, too, for the impact this clean water will have on her children.

"This new water point will definitely have an impact on my children's lives. As a young mother, I believe they will be healthier than before. Initially, I was very worried because the quality of water I was fetching was bad due to the poor condition of the spring," Pauline said.

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

Shelly celebrates clean water.

"I have grown up during the previous poor condition of our water point, which has not been good. However, I'm looking forward to better health because I no longer have to worry about the quality of the water I drink," shared 7-year-old Shelly.

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.

A community member helps carry construction materials.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

We officially transferred ownership of the waterpoint to the Shisisini 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 Daniel Mwanzia, Rachael Obura, Nelly Mutai, and Patience Wanyonyi deployed to the site to lead the event. 15 people attended the training, including 12 women and three men.

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.

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.

"Menstrual hygiene was the most discussed topic, and it took more time than other topics. Quite a number of the participants said they had teenage daughters, and this prompted them to float numerous questions in order to ensure they understood everything. One of the male participants pointed out that it is not only the duty of mothers to guide their daughters on menstrual hygiene, but also [that] fathers can play a part," shared Field Officer Daniel Mwanzia.

Soapmaking session.

"I loved the topic on income-generating activities. It left me with some ideas that I can implement to help grow my family's income. I'm currently torn between soap making and fruit tree farming. I'll probably pick more than one," said Ruth Burudi. "This training has made me realize that the things we take for granted or assume to be harmless could have irreversible health repercussions. In this area, a lot of people have not been taking hygiene seriously, resulting in frequent waterborne diseases. However, after this training, I believe that we are now well-equipped to change our hygiene practices."

Thank you for making all of this possible!

February, 2026: Exciting Progress in Shisisini Community!

We’re thrilled to share that, thanks to your generous support, significant change is coming for Ruth and the entire Shisisini 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 Shisisini Community!