Kapchemgung Community

August, 2026: Kapchemgung Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

"This new water point will hugely contribute to getting income for my family. I will use resources that I have been spending on medication to expand my farming activities and be able to harvest more and earn income from the sale of the products from the farm," said Jane Kagoizi, a 70-year-old farmer. "Personally, both my children and grandchildren will benefit from consuming safe water from the new water point, thus guaranteeing improved health and long life."

Ms. Jane Kagoizi at the protected spring.

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

"I am hopeful that this new water point will help my parents to live healthier lives by drinking safe water without contamination. [They will] also be able to do their daily chores, and to look for our school fees to help my siblings and me to stay in school without being sent home," said 15-year-old Astings.

Astings collects clean water.

"Learning at school for me will now be fun, because at school we have been having a rainwater harvesting tank, which sometimes lacks drinking water, especially in the dry season, but now I will be carrying my own clean drinking water from home to quench my thirst," he continued.

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.

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 Kapchemgung 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 Wilson Kipchoge, Rose Amulavu, and Rachel Obura deployed to the site to lead the event. 35 people attended the training, including 27 women and seven 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.

Handwashing 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.

Soapmaking session.

Field Officer Wilson Kipchoge said, "The training was very interactive and promoted a learning opportunity for both the participants and facilitators. During a discussion on soap making, the participants were eager to fully understand more about the reagents, where to acquire them, and the benefits or profit from the sale of the finished product. Interested individuals asked questions on the side effects of the soap, the nearest shop to buy reagents, and various uses of the soap."

Mr. Baraza.

"It is always good to get informed, especially on matters that directly affect our health, and may lead to loss of lives if no intervention is made to avert the underlying dangers. As a community, I have realized that we have taken serious issues lightly and invited problems to ourselves, but from today, I have learned to put into practice every aspect of hygiene and save my community from being victims of hygiene-related issues," shared 64-year-old farmer Ronald Baraza, the newly appointed Vice Chairman of the Water User Committee.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

July, 2026: Exciting Progress in Kapchemgung Community!

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