Jepkoyai Community

February, 2026: Jepkoyai Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

Ms. Peris Auma.

"I will no longer fetch dirty water, nor waste time queuing like before; I will just fetch clean water quickly and go home. I will use water from this source to plant vegetables, which will in turn be a source of income to my household," celebrated Peris Auma, a 39-year-old farmer and the secretary of the water user committee. "My children will enjoy drinking clean and safe water, leading to better and healthier lives. They will then concentrate on their studies to fulfil their desired dreams when they grow up."

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

Reagan.

"Reliable water will enable me [to] manage time well and balance my daily activities. In addition, I will be able to work hard in my studies, revise well, and improve on my overall performance," 14-year-old Reagan declared.

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.

Community members contribute labor and 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.

Setting the discharge pipe.

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 Jepkoyai 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 Mutuku, Victor, and Gladys deployed to the site to lead the event. 15 people attended the training, including 13 women and 2 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.

Dental hygiene session.

Field Officer Gladys Chepkorir said of the training, "Dental hygiene prompted more discussion and interest from participants, especially when to brush teeth and how many times to do so per day. Participants were interactive and asked as many questions as possible for clarity. One of the participants said that teeth are brushed after every meal, and others were wondering how that is even possible, especially when one is not around home. Let's say you're a teacher somewhere, does it mean that you have to carry [a] toothbrush when going to school? Some said that they only brush their teeth when going on a certain journey. After the discussion ended, the trainer answered all the questions they had asked and told them to brush their teeth at least twice a day. In the morning and before retiring to bed, because the bacteria in the mouth are very active at night."

Janet Iravoga (in the yellow vest) learns how to make soap with the other participants.

"Soapmaking was the most interesting topic to me. Ever since, I have never seen liquid soap that is as thick as this one. I am used to those liquid soaps being sold in the street, which they dilute so much with water to gain more money. Now I know [the] reagents used and the entire soapmaking process. Whenever I need soap, I will just order reagents and make soap on my own," reported 56-year-old Janet Iravoga, a community health volunteer and farmer.

"Through the training, my community has gotten more ideas about hygienic practices, which will impact them positively, leading to improved sanitation and hygiene in their homes. Having known [how] to make liquid soap, they will make it on their own and practice effective hand washing. They can also sell the liquid soap and earn some income," she concluded.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

December, 2025: Exciting Progress in Jepkoyai Community!

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