New Water Tank

It has been a few months since our last update on the GlobalGiving/KRA water project at Matuiku Primary School and we have lots of news! On 24 November 2012, the second block of latrines and the cement water tank were officially opened and big celebrations were held at the school! Now with this tank and the donated plastic tank, the school has the capacity to store up to 60,000 litres of water – enough to last for at least a month!

New cement water tank for Matuiku pupils

As a new term begins, the pupils of Matuiku school can officially reduce their water-carrying burden. The KRA 50,000-litre capacity water tank has now been completed and is ready for action. Metal guttering now lines the roof of the school to catch the rainwater and the recent, unexpected rains in Kenya are filling up the tank nicely for the dry months ahead.

As part of the construction phase, a water point with two taps was also built six metres away from the tank. The children can fill up their water bottles and wash their hands there, rather than trekking to the river or carrying water in jerry-cans from home.

Water flowing from the new taps!

The nuts and bolts

For those interested in the technical detail of the tank construction, here are a few words from our Technical Officer, Ronald Kamadi:

“The tank walls were constructed using dressed stones which were then plastered over to a thickness of 20mm with layers of barbed wire and chicken wire. A mortar mix of sand and cement was used for the wall plastering and to provide thick flooring on top of the concrete slab. The dome-shaped tank roof was constructed using timber, concrete and reinforced bars, held up by poles inside. The tank roof and outlet have lockable man-holes to carry out repairs. The guttering system enters the tank via a “foul-flash” self-cleaning system. This system ensures that when it first rains after a dry spell, the dust which builds up during dry periods is first flushed away and diverted from the storage tank to prevent contamination.”

“We no longer fear our latrines”

The children at the school are no longer scared to use the latrines! The new KRA latrines have provided reassurance to the children and their parents. The old latrines regularly collapsed due to the soil quality in the area and the weak structures. The head-teacher reported that at least three children had fallen into the pit due to this issue. Lining the pits with masonry prevents this problem and this is just what KRA has done!

 Moving forward….

Our Matuiku school project still remains active on GlobalGiving as we raise further funds and co-donors to support the final phase of the project – the construction of the 50,000-litre capacity farm pond and drip irrigation system for vegetables. A further block of latrines is also planned!  All the best for the next few months and we will be keep you all posted with further updates!!

Girls of Matuiku School stand beside their new latrines. Source: GHARP/KRA

On 26 May 2012, the children of Matuiku Primary School, realised their long-held dreams for new latrines and clean water. Kenya Rainwater Association (KRA) came to the school (in Nyandarua North district of Kenya, a semi-arid area) on a saturday morning to officially commission the latrines and new water stand for the rainwater harvesting tank, and hand them over to the school.

The support of many

 The journey to reach this point started in August 2011 when KRA launched the Global Giving campaign August challenge to raise much-needed funds for a rainwater harvesting system and improved sanitary facilities for Matuiku school.  98 donors from around the world participated in KRA’s challenge to raise a minimum of $4,000 in order that we could start the project as well as win a permanent spot on Global Giving’s website. We managed both – thanks to our wonderful supporters.

To date, we have raised $5,181. This has enabled us to fund the construction of the latrines and the tank base. The other activities we had hoped to do, were construction of a larger tank (50,000 litres) and a farm pond (50,000 litres) and drip irrigation system for vegetable growing. These activities will need to wait as we try to raise more funds (total to reach goal is another $12,000).

Construction process

Construction work on the ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrines began in February of this year. There are four latrines for girls and two for the teachers. The boys already had fairly good standard latrines. The latrines have a special vent pipe which prevents build-up of odour and reduces flies and mosquitos. Built securely with concrete and designed to be very private, they are far better than the typical wooden door latrines with pits that can collapse at any time. Girls in rural areas often miss school for up to four days per month in Kenya due to unsuitable latrine facilities and lack of privacy (mixed latrines). These new latrines at Matuiku will ensure girls feel comfortable coming to school throughout the year and are able to focus on their school-work. In addition, a solid concrete support to hold the 10,000-litre water tank (donated  by Tile and Carpet Ltd. last year) with a tap for easy access to the water was constructed. This will ensure children can wash their hands and get water for drinking.

Tree planting and de-worming

Not only have the children benefitted from improved water and sanitation facilities, but with the support of AAR Health Insurance, a tree-planting project commenced at the school in March. 150 trees have already been planted and the children taught to care for the trees. If all goes well, more trees will be planted in September 2012. In addition, AAR provided a free de-worming service to 140 of the school children. De-worming at least every six months in Kenya is very important, particularly for young children.

Joyful commissioning ceremony

The commissioning event saw all the children gathered in the school grounds to witness the ceremony and try out their new latrines for the first time. The Projects Coordinator for KRA, Dr. Stephen Ngigi announced that the latrines and stand were officially open and was accompanied by  Technical Assistant, Ronald Kamadi, who has tirelessly managed the construction. The Headteacher, Mr. John Ndegwa, was visibly overjoyed, as were the children, particularly the girls! Spot the difference in our photos below of new and old latrines!

It is clear to see that the situation at Matuiku Primary School has vastly improved and we will keep reporting back on how the children are doing.

Did you know that Global Giving now have a giftcard scheme where you can donate to our project on behalf of a friend or family member for their birthday, Christmas, Mother’s Day gift etc… Read more here:

A child drinks clean water from a KRA tank, Kenya. Source: GHARP/KRA

Kenya Rainwater Association (KRA) has successfully won a permanent spot on the Global Giving website. By the end of the challenge, KRA had managed to raise $4,720 from 87 donations in a bid to build a rainwater harvesting system for Matuiku Primary School in Ndaragwa Division in Nyandarua North District  of Kenya. The school has no running water and sub-standard sanitation facilities.

What is Global Giving?

Global Giving is an international online giving platform.  Our permanent place on the site means that KRA can now access international donors who are used to online donations via credit and debit card. Global Giving works hard to give opportunities for online giving presence to any non-profit who can successfully complete one of their challenges and pass their due diligence process.

Our Rainwater Harvesting Project

The children of Matuiku Primary School urgently need access to clean water and improved sanitation. KRA’s goal is to raise a total of $17,210 in order to provide the pupils with a rainwater storage tank, farm pond with drip irrigation, improved latrines, and capacity building. This project will improve the health and education of 137 students and give them a better chance of securing a good education with less time spent collecting water and fewer sick days. The photos below show the types of technologies we plan to introduce! KRA implements low-cost, sustainable projects in partnership with the community.

We Won The Challenge – Why Are We Still Fundraising?

We were very successful in the challenge and achieved our goal of $4,000. However, the total cost to build a rainwater harvesting system for Matuiku Primary School is $17,210. We will continue to source donations and fundraise in many ways, until we reach the project cost. Please donate if you can via our Global Giving site.

Matuiku Primary School Receives Tank Gift from Top Tank

Read our blog post to find out how Matuiku Primary School has benefited from local company, Tile and Carpet Centre Ltd., with a donation of a 10,000-litre plastic water tank, branded Top Tank.

Donkey plough training, Mashuru district, Kenya. Source: GHARP/KRA

A week-long, intensive, practical and theoretical draught animal technology (DAT) training event took place from 6–10 June 2011. The training was part of the New Life Mission/KRA project on rainwater harvesting and food security, in Mashuru district of Kenya. DAT is a method of using animals to draw simple equipment which can be used to plough and conserve the land. KRA uses DAT for the plough, the tined harrow (to scratch dry ground to allow rain to infiltrate), and the dam scoop (to de-silt earth dams/water pans). DAT is a very effective and affordable way of improving the soil moisture content of the water catchment and encouraging increased crop production.

The training event involved the following key components, both practical and theoretical sessions:

• Animal Traction in Kenya
• Animal Selection, Age Estimates, Training, Harnessing
• Animal Needs, Restraining Techniques, Commands, Guiding Principles
• Mould Board, Ploughs, Adjustments, Field Marking
• Cultivators, Planters Utilisation, Stripping and Adjustment, Care and Maintenance
• Harrows, Ridgers, Dam Scoop
• Conservation Tillage and Equipment

Feedback from the training has been very positive. Participants felt it was an excellent learning experience and a good forum to learn about and practice new farming techniques which will ultimately help improve livelihoods and conserve the environment.

The Area Disrict Officer celebrates the start of excavation at the Mogotio district earth dam site, Kenya. Source: GHARP/KRA

On 30th April 2011, GHARP/KRA facilitated the official launch of the Mogotio/Koibatek district dam site, one of the year 3 sites for the European Union (EU)/Skillshare project. The GHARP/KRA Projects Coordinator and the Area District Officer jointly flagged off the construction machinery o the site to officially commence the work. Witnessing the activity were the stakeholders and the larger Lelen community who cheerfully clapped and shouted with joy as the earth mover made the first cuts through the soil. The water pan is expected to hold up to 33 million litres of water at full capacity. The media were then briefed on the project the benefits highlighted. The GHARP/KRA team also welcomed questions from stakeholders during the interview.

Community Involvement

The event then proceeded with a meeting of the stakeholders and the beneficiaries at Lelen Primary School. The community appreciated and welcomed the visitors with songs and dance that showcased relief from the burden of walking for many kilometres in search of water. The Project Management Committee thanked GHARP/KRA for choosing the Lelen community as a project site to promote integrated rainwater harvesting. She promised that her committee will work hand in hand to support the implementation of the project activities. The Constituency Development Fund Committee pledged a donation to cover the cost of the community contribution.

Project Components

The community was taken through the integrated components of the project, followed by the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement. The components include:

• Construction of 33,000m³ earth dam including auxiliary structures that will benefit 600 households and an estimated 5,000 animals.
• Construction of improved community sanitary facilities  at the earth dam site.
• Introduction and demonstration of complementary  technologies and supplementary livelihood systems (e.g. micro irrigation, tree /vegetables seedling nurseries, and drought animal technology.
• Promotion and demonstration of improved bee-keeping and honey production (apiculture).
• Introduction of fodder production and preservation (manual hay baler).
• Construction of a roof catchment system at Lelen Primary School consisting of  50m³ rainwater storage tank, guttering system and water regulation unit
• Construction of improved sanitation facilities at Lelen Primary School.
• Construction of 50m³ farm pond and installation of drip irrigation system for vegetable production for the school feeding programme.
• Capacity building on various project management aspects to enhance sustainability.

Commissioning of the Kathungu shallow well, Makueni county, Kenya. Source: KRA

In February 2011, Patty Hall, the President and Co-Founder of  US schools water charity H2O for Life, came to Kenya to commission the Kenya Rainwater Association (KRA) Kathungu Women’s Water project. With support from H2O for Life, KRA have implemented a project to improve a sand dam near Kathungu Primary School.

Project Components

The sand dam improvement has involved the construction of a shallow well with hand pump, and two cattle troughs (with fencing) to improve the levels and quality of water and separate the water sources so that the water in the natural pools downstream from the sand dam are not being contaminated by livestock drinking from the same water. A one-foot high weir was also constructed to raise the water level the natural dam pools, plus fencing round these pools. The result is a clean and easily accessible water source which now has no risk of contamination.

H2O for Life

H2O for Life is a non-profit organisation designed to create partnerships between schools in the USA and schools in developing countries. Their goal is to partner an individual school in the USA with a school in a developing country that lacks water, sanitation, and hygiene. Through service learning projects and awareness-raising events in the US, the schools raise funds. This project moved away from this traditional model, as it involved a women’s group as the focus, rather than a school. However, the school is located very close to the dam so will greatly benefit from the clean water access.

Project Impacts

• Increased and improved access to a sustainable water supply for community members and livestock.
• Easy access to clean water through the safe water abstraction point.
• Protection and division of valuable water sources to prevent contamination from livestock.
• Improved food security as a result of water to assist with growing vegetables.
• Improved school attendance and mean scores due to less time spent collecting water.

Commissioning

The commissioning was a great success and the children were presented  with H2O for Life stickers and badges as a celebration of the event.  Speeches were made to thank KRA and H2O for Life and to comment on the  success of the water structures. One of the village elders, Mr. Musila  Yumbya, said: ”I think our place is the driest in the world and our  greatest problem is water. We are all moving in one direction now –  finding ways in which we can get enough water.” Patty Hall praised the success of the project and looked to the future: “I  am honoured that you put my name on your well and I hope it gives you  water for years to come. We are very happy working with KRA and we are  already talking about getting latrines for the girls at the school.”

Joyce Njgua, KRA Board Member, commissions the farm pond component, Nyandarua North distric, Kenya. Source: GHARP/KRA

Nyandarua North district was one of the 2nd year project sites for the EU/Skillshare project and on 19^th February 2011 it was officially commissioned and handed over to the community. The project has been very successful and the community members are now motivated to maintain the water structures and ensure long-term sustainability. We are very grateful to the partners who provided match funding for this site: Constituency Development Fund, Safaricom Foundation, and Christadelphian Meal-a-Day Fund.

Project Components

• 31 farm ponds of 50m³ in size, lined with ultra-violet resistant plastic  and roofed with iron sheets.
• 31 simple manual hand pumps for lifting the water from the farm ponds.
• 31 low-head drip irrigation systems (50-litre jerrican kits) for vegetable production.
• 1 communal tree/vegetable seedling nursery at the school and 300 fruit tree seedlings.
• Community capacity building on various project aspects with an exchange visit to Molo and Nakuru districts.
• Ndururi Primary School received a comprehensive package of: a roof catchment system and 50m³ rainwater masonry storage tank, a farm pond and micro-irrigation system, and gender-separate ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrines.

Commissioning Event

The KRA and the Safaricom teams arrived at Ndururi Primary School – the venue for the commissioning – in the afternoon and were greeted by representatives of the Mutitu Wendani Self-help Group (the local community-based organisation) and parents of Ndururi Primary School and local leaders. The guests were warmly welcomed by the entire community with songs and dancing as they approached the venue. The local leaders welcomed the guests, and after a brief introduction, the guests were shown different project components at the school for official cutting of the tape and commissioning.

Speeches and Impacts

A number of speeches were made by the development partners, and they all agreed that the project was a clear success and thanked the community for their commitment and enthusiasm.  Specific hoped-for impacts include:

• Increased and improved access to a sustainable water supply for farmers and the school.
• Nutritional benefits from the vegetables grown from farm ponds and drip irrigation systems.
• Opportunities to scale-up farming activities and enter the marketplace (e.g. greenhouse construction in order to grow tomatoes year-round).
• Alternative livelihood options which require water for success (e.g. horticultural production).
• Reduced incidences of water-borne diseases due to improved sanitation (VIP latrines) and hygiene education.
• Development opportunities (building new classrooms) using money saved from buying water.
• Enhanced environmental conservation and watershed management – sources of tree seedlings and tree planting campaign.
• Improved school attendance and mean scores due to less time spent collecting water.

However the Mutito Wendani Self-help Group do not want to stop there. They have plans to upgrade their lives and livelihoods further by expanding the group and sourcing for more funds to build a new school classroom and hand-washing facilities, as well as increasing their tree seedling and vegetable planting.

Water point at Murungai Primary School, Laikipia East district, Kenya. Source: GHARP/KRA

Daiga Division in Laikipia East district was one of the year two projects sites for the European Union (EU)/Skillshare Project, and on 28^th January 2011 it was officially commissioned and handed over to the community. The project has been very successful and the community members are now motivated to maintain the water structures and ensure long-term sustainability.

Project Components

• Thirty 50m³ farm ponds lined with ultra-violet resistant plastic and roofed with iron sheets
• School roof catchment system at Mutamaiyu Primary School, including: a 50m³ rainwater storage tank and guttering system; 50m³ farm pond; A 230-litre drip irrigation kit and hip pump to be used with the water from the farm pond to grow vegetables to supplement the school feeding programme; and ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrines.
• Introduction of complementary technologies and supplementary livelihood systems:  30 simple manual hand pumps for lifting the water from the farm ponds; 45 low-head drip irrigation systems (50-litre jerrican kits) for vegetable production; 10 beehives for apiculture demonstration; and one tree/vegetable seedling nursery.
• Capacity building on various project aspects as well as an exhange visit to project sites in Lare and Nakuru.

Case Study: A Passion for Farming

Susan Karongari, one of the beneficiary farmers, is quickly moving from subsistence farming to achieving a livelihood as a result of her KRA farm pond and drip irrigation system. At the commissioning event she demonstrated her completed farm pond. Before the pond, Susan had problems with her vegetables and passion fruits dying and wasted a lot of time trekking to the river with jerricans to collect water. Since the project, she can grow peppers and sukuma under drip irrigation, and her passion fruits are thriving. Now she has steady access to water, she has decided to venture into tomato growing for market, and has built her own greenhouse. She is also breeding chickens and rabbits – a business venture which requires water to flourish.

Conclusion and Impacts

In Daiga division, the success of the integrated water project is clear for all to see. The community members are motivated and inspired and looking to the future at how they can continue to expand their agricultural and livelihoods activities. The project will continue (under UNDP funding) in the same and neighbouring areas to increase the coverage of farm ponds and introduce more climate change mitigation technologies.

Dr. Mburu, Former KRA Chairperson,  summed up the success: This is a great achievement that we have come to commission a completed project after a short period of time. I remember the time we came to initiate the project when there was no sign of green vegetation around. Water shortage was at its highest peak. Today there is water for the children and vegetables that will improve the nutrition and health status of the children. The project will not only serve the children but it will also be a training ground for the surrounding community. It is important that there is proper care and maintenance of the facility in order to serve the community for long.’

KRA commissioning VIP latrines at Bondeni Primary School, Laikipia West district, Kenya. Source: GHARP/KRA

KRA sought funding from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)-Global Environment Fund (GEF)/Small Grants Programme (SGP) in January 2008 to implement rainwater harvesting and management (RHM) systems in three schools in Laikipia West district. The project started in January 2008 and was successfully commissioned on 26^th January 2011. During the course of the project, additional funding was also sourced from a US-based organisation, H2O for Life. KRA were the implementers of the project and provided technical staff and expertise; capacity building; monitoring and evaluation; and all project management and co-ordination. ACK diocese of Nakuru and the Parents-Teachers Associations were the main partners of the project.  The aim of the project was to provide sustainable water access for needy schools in semi-arid districts of Kenya.

Project Components

• Baseline assessment of the three schools;
• Three 50m³ rainwater catchment tanks for each school fitted with guttering system and foul flash to remove dirty water.
• Three 72m³ farm ponds for each school, lined with ultra-violet resistant plastic lining and roofed with iron sheeting.
• A hip pump to lift water from the farm pond.
• Six 230-litre drip irrigation kits, for growing of vegetables to supplement the school feeding programme.
• Establishment of tree/vegetable seedling nurseries.
• Ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrines for each school.
• Capacity building on all project components.

Commissioning Day

The commissioning day at the three primary schools was a real success. KRA toured round Sipili Primary School, Bondeni Primary School, and G.G. Kinamba Primary School. Enthusiasm was in evidence from all those involved: children, parents, teachers, donors, Government officials, KRA, and other stakeholders. The water is clearly making a difference at the schools and is helping ensure the children can concentrate on their studies instead of spending time engaged in water collection. Impacts are already being felt and include:

• Nutritional benefits from the vegetables grown from the farm pond and drip irrigation system.
• Reduced incidences of water-born diseases due to improved sanitation (VIP latrines).
• Development opportunities (building new classrooms) using money saved from buying water.
• Improved school attendance and mean scores due to less time spent collecting water.

Iltumtum community members sing their appreciation, Narok North district, Kenya. Source: GHARP/KRA

On 26th August 2010, a team from the GHARP/KRA Secretariat and Skillshare International arrived in Iltumtum, Narok North, to meet with the area District Commissioner (DC), district water officer, and community members to officially commission the Iltumtum project site. The site is one of the first to be commissioned under the four-year European Union (EU)/Skillshare project. The day was a real success and there was a good turnout from the community members. The guest of honour for the commissioning was the Narok North DC, Mr. Godfrey Kigochi. Other guests included the Narok North District Water Officer, the GHARP/KRA Secretariat team, and a Skillshare International representative.

Opening Address

The day started with an address from the DC for Narok North, Mr. Godfrey Kigochi. Mr. Kigochi welcomed GHARP/KRA to the district and thanked them on behalf of the community for their work on the water project, particularly the construction of the water pan. He said: ‘The weather here is not favourable and there is frequently drought. GHARP/KRA’s input on water has been very important – there is no life without water.’ He went on to say that Narok North is divided into two zones (upper and lower). The lower (where Iltumtum is situated) always has problems with frequent drought and the community often lose livestock due to lack of water. It is an area that needs to be focused on especially with water projects like the ones implemented by GHARP/KRA. He also complimented GHARP/KRA for their work on environmental conservation and praised the integration component in the Iltumtum community development project.

Commissioning the Iltumtum Community Water Project Components

After the address, the next stage was a visit to each project component at the site where members of the community, the DC, district water officer, GHARP/KRA, and Skillshare International all took turns to symbolically cut the ribbon and declare each component officially complete. Each person gave a short speech thanking KRA and the community for their successful work, before cutting the ribbon to a round of applause by the over-enthusiastic community members.

Community Feedback on Impacts

Community members have already started to notice significant benefits from the project and were very enthusiastic about its success, for example the project has encouraged:

• Reduced seasonal migration and time spent collecting water.
• Reduced instances of water-borne diseases.
• Improved food security and income generation.
• Enhanced environmental conservation and watershed protection.
• Development opportunities using money saved from buying water.

Mr. Vincent Kedoki, a community member, summed up the impact that the project has had, and explained that prior to KRA’s involvement, water was not easily accessible and was a 13 mile round trip. It was collected from the Wasungura River area – this area is dangerous as there are many wild animals. Men and boys often needed to migrate to find water and pasture. He stated: ‘Now we have lots of water in the water pan and we are using all of it! It is used for domestic and livestock use. Now there is no need for men and boys to migrate.’

Closing Remarks

After each component had been commissioned, the community, the district commissioner, the district water officer, GHARP/KRA, and Skillshare International all congregated in the school hall to discuss the successes of the project. It was noted that the partnerships between the community, GHARP/KRA and the government departments had been very successful and collaborative. Skillshare International and the EU’s role in funding the project was appreciated. The community members then provided some entertainment (songs) and a delicious roast meat lunch.