ENHANCING ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE AND ACCESS TO CLEAN SAFE WATER
The Kinangop, Jomvu and Kapenguria Water Tanks Distribution.
The National Assembly Lady Spouses Association of Kenya (NALSA –K) in partnership with Proudly Kenya Association continue to implement projects across the Country with a focus on enhancing social economic growth. These projects will aid in improving lives in Kenyan communities especially for women, youth and children in different ways.
In collaboration with Proudly Kenyan, NALSA –K has embarked on phase two of community project implementation which involves distribution of water tanks to groups of women, youths and persons with disability. The water tanks donated by Proudly Kenyan Association will serve as infrastructure for water vending and car wash services among others, enabling the beneficiaries to establish small-scale businesses that contribute to their economic independence and improved access to clean safe water.nn
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a comprehensive framework to address global challenges and create a more sustainable and equitable world by 2030. SDG 6 is specific on water and sanitation by recognizing the fundamental importance of the resource for human well-being, ecosystems, and economic development. The SDG targets to “ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.”
The water tank distribution project is in recognition to importance of water and sanitation as highlighted in SDG 6. In the past weeks, NALSA-K was able to distribute water storage tanks in Jomvu, Kapenguria and Kinangop constituencies and targets to reach more constituencies in the coming months. The project implementation at the constituencies is spearheaded by lady spouses to Members of the National Assembly who are affiliates of NALSA-K.
In Jomvu Constituency, under the leadership of Mama Thureya Badi, fifteen 10, 000 litres capacity water storage tanks were donated to 38 women groups in three wards of Mkindaani, Miritini and Jomvu Kuu. This will enable the women groups to engage in water kiosk business that will consistently sell safe and clean water to Jomvu residents at affordable prices.
In her address, Mama Thureya stated that her decision to get the water tanks was inspired by the water scarcity in in the area. She promised to conduct monitoring and evaluation afterwards to ensure success of the project in her Constituency.
Also, during the water tank distribution at Jomvu Kuu, 1000 chairs, chicken feeds and garbage collection carts were donated to the residents.
In Kapenguria Constituency, the area NALSA-K representative Ms. Mary Moroto spearheaded the donation of fifteen 10,000 litres capacity water storage tanks to schools in the area. It is expected that some of the schools that benefited from the donation will share the resources with their adjacent communities.
Ms. Moroto committed to help alleviate water scarcity in the area and assured the residents that with availability resources, institutions and communities which had not benefited from the exercise will be prioritized in the next distribution exercise.
And in Kinangop Constituency, Ms. Kwenya Thuku took lead in the distribution of eighty-five 20,000 litres capacity water tanks to the elderly. In her speech, Ms. Kwenya highlighted that water is a fundamental element of life, a source of nourishment, and a symbol of resilience.
She recognized the dedication and hard work by NALSA-K and Proudly Kenya stating that the two organizations have demonstrated that when communities come together, it is possible to overcome challenges and build a better tomorrow.
( third right) together with Kinangop MP. Hon Thuku (middle) after the launch at Kinangop.
Access to clean and safe water has been a pressing concern to many communities, more so those in areas where piped water is unavailable. NALSA-K and Proudly Kenya response to this need is not just a donation of water tanks but a lifeline of hope and a promise of a brighter and healthier future for all.
The NALSA-K – Proudly Kenyan Water Tank project will contribute to local economic development by creating employment opportunities, stimulating entrepreneurial activities, and supporting the growth of microenterprises.
Post by Brian Anyanzwa.
Photography by Julia Laval.