Kenya Project

Location of Lela relative to Africa

Location of Lela relative to Africa

Background

Located in Western Kenya, Lela is a community of approximately 2,000 people who rely on farming and raising livestock for food, with cash crops and charcoal as primary income sources. The people of Lela currently lack access to a reliable source of potable water. As a result, they suffer from a variety of health problems including diarrhea. During the dry season, women and children walk several kilometers everyday just to gather water. This takes away from school hours for children and more productive or enjoyable activities for women. For these reasons, the community formed the Lela Women’s Water Group in order to apply for assistance through EWB-USA. Their top priority is securing a water source that is available year-round, with strong preference for a community borehole. However, the hydrogeology of the region is challenging to work with. Therefore, rainwater catchment is also a promising supplemental source.

EWB-OSU travelers with the Lela women's committee

EWB-OSU travelers with the Lela women's committee

EWB-OSU’s response

The first step of the project was to complete a needs assessment and baseline health survey, which was done in December of 2009. This was followed by a technical assessment in June 2011 which focused on GPS mapping, water source analysis, and bolstering the partnership between the community and EWB-OSU. The goal is to work in collaboration with the community to establish a sustainable water supply system that meets the needs of as many residents as possible. Potential water sources include rainwater, groundwater, and surface water.

Timeline
  • January 2008: Project application submitted by Lela community to EWB-USA
  • May 2009: EWB-OSU officially adopts the Lela project
  • December 2009: First assessment trip (community needs and health assessment)
  • June 2011: Second assessment trip (technical assessment)
  • Future: First implementation trip scheduled for July 2012

Children of Lela

Moving forward

The next step is to send the Travel Team to Lela in July, 2012 to implement the project as designed. EWB-OSU is optimistic that this well-planned water system developed in partnership with the highly organized Lela community will ultimately be successful. Though an accessible water supply is the primary need of the Lela community, future projects in Lela may include sustainable forestry and clean-burning stoves initiatives.

Current work

The Kenya Team has completed the 525 Pre-Implementation Report and now is focused on preparing the Travel Team for their upcoming trip this July. For Spring term 2012, we meet every Thursday at 5pm in STAG 211. Join the Kenya project mailing list to stay up to date on meeting times and future updates.

Photos from trips

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