Nairobi: It’s a sigh of relief for Muramati residents in Segera, Laikipia North after the launch of a borehole drilling by Habitat for Humanity Kenya after decades of suffering from lack of water in the semi-arid region.
According to Kenya News Agency, the solar-powered borehole is expected to benefit more than 300 households as well as local schools. For years, lack of reliable water, residents say, had been turned into a campaign tool. They noted that every election cycle, politicians wooed them with pledges to address the water shortage in the semi-arid region through borehole drilling, only to abandon their commitments once elected. This situation is now anticipated to become a thing of the past.
Mary Wangari, a beneficiary of the water project, shared her experiences, stating, “It is over 48 years since I came to Muramati, we have even raised our children with water challenges. For decades, politicians have used it as a campaign tool, they come, pledge to address the water crisis only to abandon their commitment once elected.” Nancy Munyiri, another beneficiary, expressed that their cattle had died due to lack of water, despite numerous promises by politicians that a borehole would be installed in the area. Residents had been relying on seasonal rivers, which are unreliable.
Previously, the community members had to walk more than 10 kilometers in search of water for domestic use, often spending the entire day on that task. The new borehole is expected to provide reliable water access for domestic use, livestock, and irrigation. Maina Munini, another resident, noted, “This is a dry place and the only source of water is a seasonal river which has since dried up. Women could walk for more than 10 kilometers to fetch water, with a whole day dedicated for that task.”
Caroline Lackmaier, Habitat for Humanity Germany Project Coordinator, stated that the borehole drilling is part of the Muramati Integrated WASH and Housing Project, aimed at improving living conditions, sanitation, and dignity for the residents. She mentioned that approximately 300 pupils will also benefit from improved access to safe water, sanitation, and enhanced hygiene practices.
Ms. Lackmaier emphasized, “Besides providing decent homes, we are active in water, sanitation, and health since for a home to be complete, water is paramount. That’s why we partner with different organizations in provision of water to the communities.” She added that similar projects are being implemented in Kisumu and Machakos County. The project is funded with support from Wolfgang Durr Stiftung, a non-profit foundation in Germany.
