Kibabii Community Water Supply & Sanitation Project

Total Project Cost: $36,800

Project Location: Bungoma County, Kenya

Project & Program Background

The Kibabii Community Water Supply & Sanitation Project will improve access to safe water and sanitation for approximately 7,000 people served by Kibabii Parish and its partner institutions in Bungoma County, Kenya. Implemented through a partnership between Kibabii Parish, the Catholic Diocese of Bungoma, SAWASHI, and local government stakeholders, the project is designed to provide a long-term solution to chronic water shortages in the area.

Community Background

Kibabii Parish serves a growing population that includes rural households, Kibabii University, St. Antony Kibabii Health Centre, St. Mary’s Kibabii Girls Boarding Primary School, and St. Paul’s Teachers College. Most residents depend on farming, small businesses, and university-related employment. While the area has key educational and healthcare facilities, inadequate water infrastructure continues to limit community development.

Water, Sanitation and Health (WASH) Concerns

The community relies heavily on rainwater harvesting and shallow wells that frequently run dry during extended dry seasons. As water becomes scarce, residents often turn to unsafe sources, increasing the risk of waterborne disease. Limited sanitation facilities and inadequate handwashing infrastructure further impact public health, education, and healthcare services.

Proposed Project

The project will drill a deep borehole equipped with a solar-powered submersible pump, construct elevated water storage, and install a distribution network serving community institutions and nearby households. A VIP sanitation facility will also be constructed at St. Antony Kibabii Health Centre. Together, these improvements will provide reliable access to safe water and improved sanitation throughout the community.

Sustainability Considerations

A community Water Board will be established and trained to oversee governance, financial management, operations, and maintenance of the system. Affordable user tariffs will fund routine maintenance and future repairs, while the solar-powered design will minimize operating costs. Ongoing support from SAWASHI, the Diocese, and county water officials will help ensure long-term sustainability.

Community Engagement

Community members and beneficiary institutions will participate in project planning, implementation, monitoring, and protection of infrastructure. Local participation, including labor contributions where feasible, will promote ownership and strengthen long-term stewardship of the water system. The community will also contribute $9,700 to the construction project which shows solid investment in the implementation of the project.

WEFTA Volunteers

WEFTA volunteers will contribute 15% of the total project cost by supporting project assessment, hydrogeological investigations, design review, procurement oversight, construction supervision, and quality assurance. Following construction, they will assist with system monitoring, and maintenance mentoring to help ensure reliable long-term operation.

If you would like additional information about this project, please contact us.