This archive report was first published on 19 August 2021.
Kenya: Isiolo Water Project Brings Relief to Villagers ¶
Published on August 19, 2021
Isiolo County, Kenya - The scorching sun beats down on the black cotton soil of Aukot village, where residents have been struggling to access clean water. The village, located about one kilometre from Ngaremara, is one of the many areas affected by the ongoing drought in the region.
Pauline Ekeno, a 48-year-old mother of 10, spends nearly half a day trekking to fetch muddy water from the neighbouring Buffalo Springs National Reserve. The water is not only dirty but also poses a risk to her children's health. 'A number of women and girls have been attacked by jumbos and other park animals while fetching water in the reserve,' she says.
Children in the village often sleep on empty stomachs as their mothers arrive late in the evening. The situation has been exacerbated by the recent drought, which has dried up 80 per cent of water sources such as boreholes and pans. The distance to water sources has increased to about 14km, making it difficult for residents to access clean water.
However, the situation has taken a turn for the better with the commissioning of a Sh13.5 million water supply station in the village. The project, funded by Nestlé in partnership with the Kenya Red Cross Society, involves an equipped community borehole, an elevated steel tank, and two solar-powered water kiosks. The project will benefit over 2,000 people in the area and neighbouring villages.
Residents are overjoyed with the new water supply station, which has brought relief to their daily lives. 'We can now bathe regularly and take clean water to stay safe from diseases. The whole day of trekking in search of water is now history,' says an elated Ms Ekeno.
The project has also encouraged residents to start farming, which is a major boost for the community. 'This is a huge relief for me. If assisted with pipes to supply water to my farm, I can increase my productivity and sell products as far away as Marsabit County,' says Lawrence Pishilai, a 47-year-old farmer.
Residents have agreed to contribute Sh100 monthly to maintain the water kiosks. The project has also undertaken capacity building and community training sessions on best hygiene and sanitation practices.
