Khabakaya Community

March, 2026: Khabakaya Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

""Now that there is water I can depend on, then I won't have to waste my time fetching water or waiting in line and I can use my time to earn more money and provide my children with education, so that they will have clean water and be healthier to attend more classes to learn more," said 64 year old farmer, mother and grandmother, Julia Maende.

Julia Maende celebrates clean water.

"This new water point can make a difference in the lives of my children and grandchildren. With easier access to clean water, they can spend less time walking long distances and more time in school, playing, and resting. It also reduces the risk of water-borne illnesses, helping them stay healthier and grow stronger," Julia said.

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

"This waterpoint will really help my parents who work by saving them time and energy. They won't have to spend hours fetching water before or after their work, so they can concentrate better at work to help in paying for me and my sisters' school fees so that we are not sent home," shared 14-year-old Cleophas.

Cleophas.

"This reliable water will help me spend more time doing my learning by keeping me healthier and giving me more time to focus on school. With this reliable water, I will not miss classes due to illnesses caused by unsafe water. I also won’t have to spend long hours collecting water, so I can use that time to study, rest, and prepare for school, which will help me succeed in my education," Cleophas said.

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 Khabakaya 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 Adelaide Nasimiyu, Joy Ongeri, and Mercy Odongo deployed to the site to lead the event. 28 people attended the training, including 20 women and eight 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.

"The most memorable topic was on oral hygiene, where most people asked what they can use if they don't have toothpaste or salt, probed on tooth infections and their remedies, and also one asked why he brushes his teeth, but his breath is not good. The community members laughed and agreed with the statement, and asked why that was so. Staff said that maybe it's because they don't brush their tongue," shared Field Officer Joy Ongeri.

"During the soap making demonstration, one of the funniest moments came when a participant was stirring the mixture, and as the mixture thickened, he jokingly compared its texture to their community’s traditional porridge, prompting a round of laughter and playful reminder, and said he can make the liquid soap all day for it is so easy," Joy continued.

"The participants were active, which showed their commitment and enthusiasm towards the training, and even gave the trainers an easy time, whereby they all wanted to be the ones to actively take part in the demonstrations. I saw their enthusiasm on their faces, where each one was happy to be present; both the young and the old did not seem adamant or cold [about] participating in the training," she said.

Evelyn Akwabi.

"I used to brush my teeth with alot of force, thinking that it would help me remove all the dirt in my mouth, but I didn't realise that it was doing more harm to my teeth, and now I will brush my teeth better and keenly. I was also taught on water handling, where I now know how to keep my waterpoint, my jerrican, and my storage containers clean and make sure I put a lid on my jerrican to ensure the water I drink is safe for my family and me, " said 42-year-old Evelyn Akwabi.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

January, 2026: Exciting Progress in the Khabakaya Community, Thanks to You!

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