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Sustainable Water Solutions in Rural Communities

WaterWise Initiative
Sustainable Water Solutions in Rural Communities
Kitui County, Kenya
WaterWise Initiative
January 2023

Summary

Implementing rainwater harvesting systems in drought-prone regions, providing clean water access to over 5,000 people and reducing water-borne diseases by 60%.

Full Story

The WaterWise Initiative has been working in drought-prone regions of Kenya since 2018, implementing innovative rainwater harvesting systems that are both affordable and sustainable.

Our approach combines traditional knowledge with modern technology, creating systems that can be maintained by local communities with minimal external support. Each system collects rainwater from rooftops and other surfaces, filters it through a multi-stage process, and stores it in underground tanks that minimize evaporation.

To date, we have installed 120 systems across 15 villages, providing reliable access to clean water for over 5,000 people. This has had a dramatic impact on health outcomes, with local clinics reporting a 60% reduction in water-borne diseases.

Beyond health improvements, the time saved from water collection (previously requiring up to 4 hours daily, primarily by women and girls) has enabled increased school attendance and economic activities. Local women have formed a cooperative that maintains the systems and provides training to neighboring communities.

Theory of Change

Inputs

  • Rainwater harvesting technology
  • Local materials
  • Community training
  • Technical expertise

Activities

  • System installation
  • Community workshops
  • Maintenance training
  • Water quality testing

Outputs

  • 120 rainwater systems installed
  • 15 villages reached
  • 200 community members trained

Outcomes

  • 5,000+ people with water access
  • 60% reduction in water-borne diseases
  • Increased school attendance

Impact

  • Improved health and wellbeing
  • Community resilience to drought
  • Women's economic empowerment

Network Map

Tags

Water Access
Rural Development
Health
Women Empowerment
Appropriate Technology

Impact Highlights

5,000+
People Reached
60%
Disease Reduction
120
Systems Installed
15
Villages Served

Collaborators

  • Kenya Water Trust
  • Kitui County Government
  • Global Water Alliance

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