Njabini Primary School Rainwater Catchment Project – Kenya

Location
Njabini, South Kinangop, Nyanarua County, Kenya

Community Description
Njabini is a farming community located high in the Aberdare Mountain Ranges of Kenya. It is two hours from the capital city of Nairobi, and is the source of water and much of the food that is transported there.

Despite the fact that the area receives more rainfall than much of the country, the majority of the population does not have access to clean water or the means of effectively catching and storing rainwater.

Njabini Primary School is one of the oldest schools in Njabini, and is host to the only special education class in the region. Parents from around the district send their children to Njabini to be individually evaluated and taught according to his or her special needs. The primary school is made up of 930 students and a meager faculty of 22 teachers.

Problem Addressed
This large primary school is among the top schools in the area, with high test scores. However, the students do not have access to clean water for drinking or sanitation.

Parents lack the funds to bring water to the school, and outside assistance has not been forthcoming.

Project Description
This project is to build a rainwater catchment system at the school, as well as a small hand washing station outside of the outdoor latrines.

The catchment system will consist of gutters (which are already in place on the school building), a 5,000-liter storage tank, and piping to connect the two.

A 20-liter handwashing station will be situated outside of the latrines, and soap will be provided by the Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation.

The headmaster, staff, and the parents of the students will contribute labor and materials to build the base of the tank, which will be cement.

Water charity funds will be used to purchase the tank and for the transportation of the tank.

Project Impact
Almost 1,000 people will benefit from the project.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Jennifer Navala

Comments
This project will give the school a reliable source of water for the large student population. It will result in proper hydration and improved hygiene, which will lead to a reduction in illness.

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

Dollar Amount of Project
$555

Donations Collected to Date
$555

Any contributions in excess of the Dollar Amount of the Project will be allocated to other projects directed by this PCV and/or projects of other PCVs in this country.

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 – This project has now been paid for with funds from the First Unitarian Society of Madison, Wisconsin and friends and family of Peace Corps Volunteer Jennifer Navala.

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