Kapsogoro Community

April, 2026: Kapsogoro Community Spring Protection Complete!

Your contribution has made access to clean water for the Kapsogoro 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 source, for sure, will, to a greater extent, reduce time spent in fetching water as well as cut down on chances of getting water-related diseases like typhoid and cholera, which can cause economic loss if not managed due to [the] high cost of treatments. As a result of this, I will have enough time to work on my vegetable farm and increase production, and in return get extra income for my family. Also, I will be able to save money that could otherwise be spent on medication and channel it to other family investments that will bring more earnings," said 71-year-old Irene Igadwa.

Irene Igadwa.

"This new water point will make a difference in the lives of both my children and grandchildren," she concluded.

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

Nine-year-old Samhong shared his thoughts.

Samhong (left) enjoys clean water.

"As a young boy, I will now fetch water quickly because it comes out at high speed. Since it takes less than a minute to fill a 10-liter container, crowding is minimized, and people do not [have to] wait long. Unlike in the past when I used to be pushed back or even threatened with a beating from my seniors, I will comfortably fetch water peacefully and get home with water happily. Because I will not be sick from drinking contaminated water, I will always be available at school studying, which will help my teachers to impart knowledge to me, and make me pass my examination and improve my grades."

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.

Excavating the spring.

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.

Placing the discharge pipe.

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.

Plastering the spring.

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 plant grass to prevent erosion.

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 Kapsogoro 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, Joel Otuya, Racheal Dorcas, and Wesley Mayaka deployed to the site to lead the event. 28 people attended the training, including 17 women and 11 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.

Rose Igadwa (left) was newly elected as the water user committee's secretary.

"The training has pointed out errors we make every day in terms of hygiene and sanitation. I believe that everything is possible when we do the right thing every time. As a community, we need to take hygiene issues seriously to prevent common diseases that are manageable without the need for going to the hospital," reported participant Rose Igadwa, a 45-year-old businesswoman.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

March, 2026: Exciting Progress in Kapsogoro Community!

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