Murram Community

September, 2026: Murram Community Spring Protection Complete!

Your contribution has made access to clean water for the Murram 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. Wilbroda Indeche.

"Access to clean and reliable water will greatly improve my daily life and support my future hopes. I will spend less time and energy to fetch water since water collection has been made easy and quick, which will allow me to focus more on farming and other productive activities. With safe water, my health will improve, reducing illnesses and medical expenses. For my grandchildren, having water nearby will give them more time to attend school and study, helping them work toward a better future. Overall, this waterpoint brings hope for a healthier, more productive, and dignified life for my family," said Wilbroda Indeche, a 68-year-old farmer.

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

Bonvex.

"Clean water will also help me stay healthy, which means fewer sick days and more time to study. It makes learning easier and gives me a chance to do my best every day," celebrated 15-year-old Bonvex.

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 Murram 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 Mildred Mboha, Wilson Kipchoge, and Gladys Chepkorir deployed to the site to lead the event. 16 people attended the training, including 8 women and 8 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.

Building a tippy tap handwashing station.

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.

"The participants were open and receptive to all topics throughout the training. There were no subjects they were resistant to learning, and they actively engaged in every session from start to the end of the session," shared Field Officer Mildred Mboha.

Learning to make soap.

"The participants’ commitment and enthusiasm were remarkable. When the rain began before the training ended, everyone stayed in the downpour until the session was complete, showing no complaints or signs of leaving. Their determination to learn and improve hygiene practices was clear, and it created an inspiring and energetic atmosphere throughout the training," Mildred continued.

Priscah Burudi.

Ms. Priscah Burudi, 23, attended the training. She shared her thoughts, "This training has really changed the way I think about hygiene for myself and the community. I now see the importance of not just personal cleanliness, but also keeping our surroundings clean, like clearing tall grass, properly managing waste, and using soap regularly. I feel more confident teaching good hygiene habits to my younger siblings and encouraging my community to take care of water points and shared spaces. The practical skills, like soap making, have also given me new ideas for promoting hygiene in ways that are useful and sustainable."

Thank you for making all of this possible!

July, 2026: Exciting Progress in the Murram Community!

We’re thrilled to share that, thanks to your generous support, significant change is coming for Joseph, his family, and the entire Murram Community. Construction has begun on the protected spring 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 Murram Community!