Matawa Parish Water Project

Total Project Cost: $25,000

Project Location: Kakamega County, Kenya

Project & Program Background

The Christ the Good Shepherd Matawa Parish Water Project will provide a reliable source of safe water for approximately 5,000 people in Mumias West Sub-County, Kakamega County, Kenya. Implemented through a partnership between Christ the Good Shepherd Matawa Parish, Matawa Senior School, Matawa Comprehensive School, and SAWASHI, the project will help address long-standing water shortages affecting the parish and surrounding community.

Community Background

Matawa is a predominantly rural community where residents depend on small-scale farming, livestock keeping, casual labor, and small businesses for their livelihoods. The parish serves households, schools, and businesses throughout the area, including Matawa Trading Centre. Increasing rainfall variability and prolonged dry periods have made access to reliable water increasingly difficult, affecting household well-being and community development.

Water, Sanitation and Health (WASH) Concerns

The parish currently relies on a shallow hand-dug well that frequently dries up during extended dry seasons. Local schools depend on a shallow handpump well that experiences long queues and cannot adequately meet demand. Limited handwashing facilities and widespread reliance on pit latrines increase the risk of poor hygiene and water-related diseases. Women and children often carry the burden of collecting water from distant or unreliable sources.

Proposed Project

The project will drill, test, and equip a borehole with a solar-powered submersible pump, water storage facilities, and a distribution system serving the parish, nearby schools, and surrounding households. The new system will provide a dependable source of safe water, reduce pressure on existing sources, improve sanitation and hygiene practices, and strengthen health and learning conditions for the community.

Sustainability Considerations

A representative Water Management Committee will be established to oversee operation, maintenance, and financial accountability. Affordable user contributions will support maintenance, repairs, and future replacement needs, while SAWASHI will provide training in governance, financial management, record keeping, and preventive maintenance. The solar-powered design will reduce operating costs and improve long-term reliability.

Community Engagement

Community participation will be central to project planning, implementation, and long-term operation. Representatives from the parish, schools, and surrounding villages will support mobilization, construction oversight, infrastructure protection, and decision-making. Community involvement in governance and maintenance planning will foster ownership and help ensure the long-term success of the water system. The community will also contribute $6,250 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.