MWALA WATER MATTERS
Gushing sounds of water as it rushes to fill a humongous 10,000-liter water tank welcome us. The tall structure is erected on high ground for elevation and stands as the beacon of hope for Kikaso-Kyeu meant to alleviate their perennial water problem.
The scorching sun rages on as if in protest the scorch isn’t enough to dim the hopeful and jubilant faces to witness the launch of NALSA(K), Mwala Constituency Representative Faith Musyoka’s water borehole project for her home village of Kikaso-Kyeu.
Kikaso Kyeu has an estimated population of 25,000 people and therefore the borehole is a relief to them as the facility can supply the whole area with sufficient water.
“ This single borehole has the capacity of five other boreholes ever dug in the area.” Mwala constituency Member of National Assembly Vincent Musyoka quips during his speech as the chief guest.
“ My plea to residents is that we plant more trees in re-iteration of the project by our Patron, Her Excellency Rachel Ruto, that we plant trees countrywide.”said the project initiator, Faith Musyoka.
Bwana Kasanga, a resident of the area, expressed his gratitude that the village now has a reliable water source as he spoke on behalf of the other residents. He noted the project was quintessential and residents are hopeful this initiative would bear subsequent projects in the future.
ProudlyKenyan
This borehole project is part of the series of collaborations between NALSA(K) and Proudly Kenyan that began in November 2021 in Kaloleni constituency. Proudly Kenyan is involved in social and community outreach programs through partnerships countrywide. Proudly Organizing Secretary Tiffany Muema was present to represent the organisation at the event.
Why the borehole project?
Previous studies indicate only 56% of Kenyans enjoy access to a clean water supply. Therefore, parts of Mwala Constituency are on the other end of the spectrum: an exquisitely semi-arid area with a high water table but lacks infrastructure that would carry water to the ground. Residents there customarily rely on shallow ponds, seasonal streams and a few boreholes to fetch water.
The above statistics indicate 44% of Kenyans experience water scarcity, a resource crucial for drinking and agriculture, livestock, and fishing.
A long-term solution to the problem
Understandably, being on the leeward side of a hill seals your fate of receiving rain-rich clouds. Luckily, geological surveys show the water table is high, with a few areas having porous rocks that can hold aquifers. Therefore, investing in infrastructure is necessary to bring a permanent solution to the water crisis. For sustainability, the water demand in the area has to exceed the supply.
The area MP speaks of investing funds into modern infrastructure to deliver piped water to homes and schools in Kikaso Kyeu and the larger Mwala Constituency. The boreholes to be drilled will operate using sensors that know when to pump if the water levels drop in the storage tanks. The pilot project is going on to fine-tune performance.
In attendance
Nalsa(K) representatives were present for the launch in solidarity with Faith, a member since 2013: Irene-chumo Waluke (Sirisia), Mukami Mwaura (Kiambu), Naiyanoi Ntutu Ng’eno(Emurua Dikirr ), Viviane Kenduiywa (nominated), Rose Emali (Kimilili), Caroline Wokabi (Embakasi Central), Mary Wambui (Muranga) and Paulyne Mutinda (Matungulu)
Conclusion
With an ever-growing population, the water situation countrywide will only worsen unless swift action happens.
Water distribution and management projects deserve prioritization because water and sanitation are drivers of our socioeconomic well-being. Luckily the Mwala area Member of the National Assembly and the NALSA(K) Representative are leading initiatives that seek to solve the problem in the semi-arid. Right now, accolades to Faith Musyoka for the timely completion and successful launch of another project to empower local communities: one of our core objectives as NALSA(K).
Post by Brian Anyanzwa
Photography and video by Julia Laval