Kimathi Primary School Rainwater Catchment Project – Kenya

Location
Njabini, South Kinangop District, Nyandarua County, Central Province, Kenya

Community Description
The rivers that flow through the Aberdare Mountain region are the source that provides water for most of the capital city of Nairobi. Despite the fact that the area has a plentiful water supply, the issue remains that many households and schools do not have a system to effectively catch the rainfall and use it to their advantage.

Kimathi Primary School is located within the Njabini sub-location in the Aberdare Mountain Range. The school is stranded in between the Sasumua Dam and the Chania River, leaving it as somewhat of an island in terms of accessibility.

There is only one road leading to the school, making it difficult for the school to acquire new students. This has caused financial issues for the school because the government does not give money to schools with a low enrollment rate. The school is made up of over 200 students and 6 teachers.

Problem Addressed
Kimathi Primary School has two water tanks, one of which is broken, leaving only one for all students and staff to use. The water is insufficient, especially when there is no rain for several weeks.

Project Description
This project is to build a rainwater catchment system that will collect water from the rooftops of the classrooms.

The water will be used for drinking, handwashing, cleaning, and cooking.

A 5,000-liter tank will be purchased in a nearby town called Engineer, 17 Km from Njabini, and transported to the school.

The base will be constructed by parents and teachers using dirt and cement.

The gutters and piping will also be installed by the parents and teachers.

Water Charity funds will be used to purchase the tank, piping, and gutters from the roof to the tank.

Maintenance will be the responsibility of the school staff.

Extra funds will be used to construct simple handwashing stations using 20-liter jerry cans with an added tap.

After the tank is installed, there will be a demonstration conducted by members of the CBO Beautify Aberdare and the PCV describing diseases from inadequate hygiene, showing proper handwashing technique, and conveying general health information.

Project Impact
Approximately 220 students and staff will benefit from the project.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Jennifer Navala

Comments
This is an important infrastructure project to provide for the water needs of the school. It will reduce the incidence of illness and improve the well-being of students and staff.s

Jennifer previously completed the Njabini Youth Centre Rainwater Catchment Project – Kenya, the Kioneki Primary School Rainwater Catchment System – Kenya, and the Njabini Primary School Rainwater Catchment Project – Kenya.

Dollar Amount of Project
$555.00

Donations Collected to Date
$275.00

Dollar Amount Needed
$280.00 – This project has received major funding through the generosity of the Elmo Foundation, with the expectation of additional donations from the friends, family, and supporters of the Peace Corps Volunteer.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify the Peace Corps Volunteer of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by the PCV 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.