Service I Hope I Life
Turkana County, located in the arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya, has historically struggled with severe water scarcity, inadequate sanitation, and poor hygiene practices. These challenges have led to high incidences of waterborne diseases, food insecurity, and reduced economic opportunities for the local communities, predominantly pastoralists. Addressing these issues became a priority for local and international organizations working in the region. Agis and Kameyan residents faced daily struggles with waterborne diseases, which severely impacted their health and livelihoods. Lack of clean water further exacerbated these issues, leading to high rates of illness, particularly among children.
In 2024, through funding from Germany Federation Foreign Office (GFFO), Turkana Christian Development Mission in partnership with NRC and SCWO implemented a Multisectoral response WASH project to meet the humanitarian needs of people affected by displacement and vulnerable host communities in Africa while enhancing the access to clean energy for environmental protection. The WASH project in Turkana West; Agis and Kameyan villages had the goal of improving access to clean and safe drinking water. The WASH Project aimed to ensure continuity flow of water to the community by achieving the following outputs: Water Infrastructure: Rehabilitation of borehole to ensure functionally of the water source, Construction of steel tank platforms in the intended project area, Mount 20000L capacity water tanks on the platforms constructed to serve as water reservoir before feeding in the distribution channel/system and the communal water points in the village distributed evenly. Carry out trenching works 2 ft below ground level approximately 6km head install HDPE water pipes and backfill the trenched area. Capacity building of the water management committees and the water points caretakers and plumbers.
Ekai Ayapan a resident of Lopededkit in Agis says, “before we had access to water in Lopededkit, we had a lot of problems, we walked a distance of 5kilometers to access the water point, but after the WASH project being implemented by TCDM, we are able to access clean and safe water easily, we have enough sufficient clean water for household use, the walking distance has been reduced also.” a mother in Agis village describes how she feels relieved after the completion of a WASH project being implemented by TCDM “The water has helped me, I can WASH my clothes and I can do all my household chores since I have sufficient water, and our animals can drink. We have nothing to say, we are satisfied with how the project was implemented and we really appreciate.” Thanks for the generous contribution and continuous support of TCDM and NRC which helped thousands of people get adequate access to safe drinking water and no longer have to cut across long rivers and mountainous roads to get jerry cans filled with unsafe water. Four water points have been constructed, protected and safe with no more animal feces surrounded. Most of all, provision of clean water helped minimize the spread of infectious diseases such as cholera.
a mother and resident in Agis say, “I could wake up so early in search of water and this affected my domestic activities. I had to ensure the children reached school early, but this was not possible because I wasted time in the long queue at the river. Sometimes when the water was muddy, I had to wait for it to settle before fetching it. Today I am happy with my schedule; which entails taking my children to school in time, completing my household chores and later in the day I go for water at the water point.” The mother is excited to point out that the WASH project has helped the whole community and she is confident even during the dry season, the WASH project will be there and I am sure it will not dry-up.
She remarks, “Am not just happy, but am satisfied with the project and its outcome. Whoever came up with this idea and all those who were involved in making our dream come true, may the good Lord bless them.’’
Lobiria Edung Lotini says, “Since the introduction of the WASH project in Agid Kakuma Turkana west, tremendous changes have occurred to the people of Agis village. The construction of steel tank and water points has made it easy for the community members in Agis to access clean and safe water. We no longer waste time queuing up for water but use it to do more profitable duties in our homes. Diarrheal disease and absenteeism in school have reduced and the community now enjoys the health benefits of clean water. Hygiene has tremendously improved and all are striving to maintain it.” He concludes, “the WASH project came at the right time.”
