Shinabatende Protected Spring Project – Kenya

Location
Shinabatende, Lurambi Division, Kakamega Central District, Western Province, Kenya

Community Description
Shinabatende is a community located between Kakamega and Mumias in Western Kenya. It is populated by members of the Luhya tribe, which is a polygamous tribe. The community has both Christians and Muslims.

The people are mostly small-scale farmers that grow maize, beans and sugar cane. Very few members of the community have permanent employment.

The majority of the population is under the age of 25. While primary education is compulsory, the majority of children drop out of school, typically around the ages of 13-20. As a result it is rare for someone to complete high school.

The community health workers have found that there is a lot of water-borne disease, such as typhoid, dysentery and skin diseases. To reduce these diseases, the community health workers want to protect and treat the water.

The unprotected spring currently cannot be used for drinking, so the population has to walk to neighboring villages for water where they have to pay for the water they carry. Many have to cross the highway causing many accidents.

The spring is located in the middle of Shinabatende. It is near one of the churches and not far from one of the main roads. It is on private land, but the landowner has been allowing people to draw water from the spring for many years and has said that he will continue to do so. It is also near the Emusanda Health Clinic, so the community health workers will be able to easily monitor it.

The water in the spring was tested and it was discovered that it is currently undrinkable due to E Coli. By protecting the spring, using chlorine, and educating the villagers, the water can be fully utilized. The best way to protect and prevent E Coli contamination is by physically covering the water and using UV ray, chlorine, or ozone.

Project Description
This project is to protect the spring, and treat the water utilizing a chlorine dispenser.

The spring will be protected by constructing a brick structure around the water source and then by using a chlorine dispenser to kill any bacteria that may be present in the water.

The chlorine dispenser is one that is commonly used in Kenya. It is a tank that is placed on a stand near the well or other water source. To use the dispenser, the water container is placed under the spout. Upon pushing the button on the spout, the dispenser releases the proper amount of concentrated chlorine to treat 20 liters of water.

The dispenser requires minimal maintenance. The primary concern is making sure that the dispenser is refilled. The Kenyan government works in partnership with health centers to maintain the supply of chlorine.

Additionally, community health workers will be working to educate villagers about reducing and eliminating contamination, and the proper use of the dispenser.

Project funds will be used to purchase the materials, including porous stones, pipes, bricks, wire mesh, sand, cement, and the chlorine dispenser. Labor will be provided by the community.

Project Impact
The village of Shinabatende has a population of 420 people who will benefit from safe water from the spring.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Hayley Webster

Comments
This is an essential infrastructure project for the community. By keeping contaminants from and purifying the water, a large number of water-borne diseases will be eliminated, dramatically improving the quality of life in the community.

Dollar Amount of Project
$541.00

Donations Collected to Date
$541.00

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 – This project has now been fully funded through the generosity of the SLOW LIFE Foundation as a part of their Clean Water Projects initiative, with help from friends and family of Peace Corps Volunteer Hayley Webster.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Hayley of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Hayley and/or those of other PCVs in the country of service.

This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.