Annual Report-LWSC Kenya 2015

1Annual Review 2014

Annual Review 2014

LIVING WATER SERVICE CENTRE

Living Water Service Centre

Contents

• Constructed 44 new water points.• Rehabilitated 6 water points.• Conducted 51 sessions of health and hygiene promotion.• Triggered 33 villages with Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS).• Facilitated formation of 14 Health Clubs in Schools

Christian Witness - (CM&GP)• Signed a partnership agreement with Anglican Church of Kenya Diocese of Butere.• Conducted 6 Basic Orality Training sessions to an audience of 360 participants.• Showed the Jesus’ Film in 29 sites to an audience of 4,350 people.

WASH ACCOMPLISHMENTS

LWI Gala Attendees Walk with Lucy

BUDGET: $935,853CAPITAL EQUIPMENT: $219,000

PURCHASED A PRD 650 RigCapacity: 150 Metres

To God be the Glory!

Over 26,000 People Impacted with Safe

Water Supply and Hygiene and Sanitation Promotion

Activities

Living Water International 2014 Gala was themed “Celebrating a Woman” with focus on a Kenyan

girl called “Lucy”. She represented the lives, hopes and dreams of girls who spend so much

time and trouble looking for water.

Living Water Service Centre actively participated in the Millenium Water Alliance (MWA) strategy formulation and launch meetings. The former President H.E. Mwai

Kibaki - MWA’s Patron oversaw the launch.

Living Water Service Centre

Annual Review

LWSC participated in the MWA Trust Launch

Word from the Country Director.........................................1

2014 in summary.................................................................2

An answered prayer – Kenya acquires a drill rig...................7

Kasule Rig hits the ground...................................................8

Unforgettable moment as Kenya’s new drilling rig hits the ground.................................................................9

Bearing the burden.............................................................10

Women and water crisis .................................................13

From imagination to realization.........................................15

Radienya Village certified Open Defecation Free...........16

Church Partnership ...........................................................18

Safe water creates an academic haven..........................19

Pictorial..........................................................................20

Pump vandalism rekindles new dream..............................21

Free at last..........................................................................22

Village’s dream actualized through safe water.................24

Ignorane is bliss..................................................................26

2014 Challenges ................................................................27

2014 Lessons learnt .........................................................28

2014 Celebrations..............................................................28

2014 Financials ................................................................29

FAQ’s ................................................................................31

Editorial TeamPublisher: Jacktone Akelo, Country Director, Living Water Service Centre.

Technical and editorial support for this publication has been provided by WASH team under the leadership of Daniel Githanji, Operations Manager and Carolyne Magodo, Communications Representative.

Design and printing by: The Print Experts Limited [email protected]

1Annual Review 2014

Word from the Country Director

The theme of 2014 for Kenya office was “making better our best”. We had noted that God made great contributions through

us in previous year, and He was still willing to do better in 2014. As we reflect back, we celebrate and give God glory for numerous accomplishments while seeking his guidance in the challenging opportunities we witnessed. We kept our vision of “making Jesus Christ Known through Safe Water” while “make Kenyans experience the love of Christ and holistic living.”

We celebrate the contributions we made towards the Living Water International Gala of Celebrating a Woman, which focused on Kenyan girl, Lucia. Lucia represented the lives, hopes and dreams of girls and women who spend much time and trouble looking for water for household use. Lucia was accompanied by 6 women from Kenya to participate in the Gala.

In effort of reducing the much time spent and trouble undergone in looking for water, Living Water Service Centre (LWSC) facilitated over 18,000 Kenyans to access safe water at close distance. This was possible through the LWSC work and its partner (SEMREP). As well, 26,000 people reached through hygiene and sanitation promotion in villages, churches, health facilities and schools. Furthermore, 4,710 Kenyans were reached with the Gospel of Jesus Christ through different fora.

The Africa Regional office undertook a country review of Kenya office that looked at governance, operations, and financial issues. The exercise provided important observations, lessons and recommendations for improvement. These recommendations and observations have been planned for implementation in the coming years.

While noting the celebrations, LWSC faced some challenging opportunities. There were issues of unclaimed accruals dating back to 2011; 16% VAT loaded on water items that initially were zero-rated and high cost of doing business in 2014.

We kept our vision of “making Jesus

Christ Known through Safe Water”

while “make Kenyans experience the

love of Christ and holistic living.”

Jacktone AkeloLWSC Country Director, Kenya

2 Living Water Service Centre

2014 in Summary 1. ABOUT 2014

In year two of implementing Living Water Service Centre’s WASH Program Area Approach, the strategic goal was to contribute

to improved Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) conditions of vulnerable communities in Kenya by facilitating empowerment, access and practice of good WASH behavior.

The national water coverage stands at 62%, implying that Kenya has achieved the MDG goal of halving the population without safe drinking water by 2015. However, big disparities exist between rural and urban water coverage, with these standing respectively at 55% and 82%. Living Water works in rural communities with WASH disparities, with Kisumu East and Butere as current WASH Program Areas. The year was marked by increased access to safe water, hygiene practices and sanitation in communities, churches, schools and health facilities.

1. ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2.1 Water

Through 44 new water points were constructed with 35 of them within the Butere and Kisumu WPAs reaching to an estimated population of over 20,000 and 16 rehabilitated water points benefitting over 5000 people.

The year was marked by a growth in production of 43% from the previous year, from 41 to 60 water points.

Summary on completed water points 2013 and 2014 (inclusive of SEMREP partner)

2013 2014

New wells 22 40

Alternative 4 4

Rehabs 17 16

Capital Maintenance 7 6

Service visits 16 28

TABLE ON INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS

New wells Primary Source of Points with more than one point of supply

Intervention AREA

1 Bulanda Primary school Eshimukoko Health Centre

Borehole gravity pipe extension

BUTERE

2 Enkora 2 SDA church Enkora 2 SDA church Borehole with electric submersible pump

KISII

3 Imanga Health Centre Borehole drilled with hand pump

BUTERE

4 Masaba Primary school-Dry BUTERE

5 Kadibo Div Social dev Group Borehole drilled with hand pump

KISUMU EAST

6 Strong Men self Help Group Borehole drilled with hand pump

KISUMU EAST

7 Koyola Focussed Group Borehole drilled with hand pump

KISUMU EAST

8 Kimai Community Water Point Enkora 2 SDA church Borehole gravity pipe extension

KISII

9 Kimai DEB school Enkora 2 SDA church Borehole gravity pipe extension

KISII

10 St Joseph’s Obaga Health Centre

Obaga Water supply Lake water treatment SIAYA

11 St Joseph’s Obaga Primary school

Obaga Water supply Lake Water treatment SIAYA

12 Ikoba Primary school Enkora 2 SDA church Borehole gravity pipe extension

KISII

13 Ikoba Trading centre Enkora 2 SDA church Borehole gravity pipe extension

KISII

14 Eshikangu Primary School Lunza Primary school Borehole gravity pipe extension

BUTERE

15 Shisaba Health Centre Lunza Primary school Borehole gravity pipe extension

BUTERE

16 Ogwethi Spring Community Kiosk

Spring protection and water extension to a kiosk

KISUMU EAST

17 Mwinsazalo Community well Borehole drilled with hand pump

BUTERE

18 Emusunguri Wings Of Life Church

Borehole drilled with hand pump

BUTERE

19 Mago Primary school Borehole drilled with hand pump

SEMREP

20 Chugi Primary School Borehole drilled with hand pump

SEMREP

21 Chavogere Primary School Borehole drilled with hand pump

SEMREP

22 Mudungu Primary School Borehole drilled with hand pump

SEMREP

A student enjoying a glass of clean water

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23 Inyali Primary School Borehole drilled with hand pump

SEMREP

24 Mumabanga Community well Borehole drilled with hand pump

BUTERE

25 Masaba Primary School Emasiba Water Supply Borehole gravity pipe extension

BUTERE

26 Masaba Secondary School Emasiba Water Supply Borehole gravity pipe extension

BUTERE

27 Masaba Market Emasiba Water Supply Borehole gravity pipe extension

BUTERE

28 Kibaala Primary School Borehole drilled with hand pump

SEMREP

29 Homunoywa Primary School Borehole drilled with hand pump

SEMREP

30 St Rita Secondary school St Rita Secondary school Borehole with electric submersible pump

KISUMU EAST

31 Ramula Primary school St Rita Secondary School Borehole gravity pipe extension

KISUMU EAST

32 Ramula Market Water Kiosk St Rita Secondary school Borehole gravity pipe extension

KISUMU EAST

33 Ndithini Primary school Ndithini Primary school Borehole with electric submersible pump

MACHAKOS

34 Ndithini Secondary school Ndithini Primary school Borehole gravity pipe extension

MACHAKOS

35 Kamangu Market Ndithini Primary school Borehole gravity pipe extension

MACHAKOS

36 Radienya Spring Water Kiosk Spring protection and water extension to a kiosk

KISUMU EAST

37 Africa Nineve Israel Church Borehole drilled with hand pump

KISUMU EAST

38 Mukoye Primary School Emasiba Water Supply Borehole gravity pipe extension

Butere

39 Mukoye Girls High School Emasiba Water Supply Borehole gravity pipe extension

Butere

40 Mukoye Market Emasiba Water Supply Borehole gravity pipe extension

Butere

41 Shiatsala Primary School Emasiba Water Supply Borehole gravity pipe extension

Butere

42 Shiatsala Market Emasiba Water Supply Borehole gravity pipe extension

Butere

43 Eshibembe Dispensary Emasiba Water Supply Borehole gravity pipe extension

Butere

44 Kasule Community Bible Church

Borehole with electric submersible pump

KISUMU EAST

Capital Maintenance

1 Dr Aloo Secondary school Repair of watering point KISUMU EAST

2 Ng’iya Primary Boarding school

Borehole cleaning and pump repair SIAYA

3 GGCC Secondary school Repair on water treatment system MBITA

4 Nwamuranje Spring Repair on spring pipeline Butere

5 Gita Health Centre Repair on rain water gutter system and tanks outlets Kisumu East

6 Rabuor Young Women Group Repair on the pump platform and drainage and pump maintenance

Kisumu East

Rehabilitations water points

1 Kapsambo Primary School Repair on hand pump SEMREP

2 Kiragilu Primary School Repair on hand pump SEMREP

3 Vohovole Primary School Repair on hand pump SEMREP

4 Kigulienyi Primary School Repair on hand pump SEMREP

5 Lunza Dos office kiosk Repair on water kiosk BUTERE

6 Mulwanda Community well Replacement on hand pump BUTERE

7 Ebwitende community well Repair on hand pump BUTERE

8 Mushimuli well Replacement on hand pump BUTERE

9 Shibu Hand dug well Replacement on hand pump BUTERE

10 Eshirembe Primary school Repair on hand pump BUTERE

11 Ibokolo Village well Repair on hand pump BUTERE

12 Emukhwanyi community well Repair on hand pump BUTERE

13 Lielango Water Project Replacement on hand pump KISUMU EAST

14 Kangandi Water Project Replacaement on hand pump KISUMU EAST

15 Emasiba Water Kiosk Repair on water kiosk BUTERE

16 Kan’go Primary School Repair on hand pump Kisumu East

A water treatment plant in Mfangano Island, outside WPA.


2.2 Community Engagement It is impossible for a community to effectively manage a water point without having the “know –how”. Engaging communities in the areas we work in, allows us to know the specific needs of a community as well as train them in management issues. The various engagements enable community members to own the projects and look out for them.

Ensuring that the communities and institutions supported through projects and the benefits realized are maintained and continue long after the end of project funding by Living Water is one of our key concerns. As part of Sustainability, Living Water ensures that water keeps flowing and through community involvement, operations and maintenance trainings of the project management committees; this enables the community to be in a position to operate and maintain the water project long after Living Water’s exit. The sustainability arm of the organization conduct service visits from time to time to check on the progress of past projects.

In the year 2014, LWSC continued with efforts to facilitate community engagement, promote community ownership, coordination and sustainability for the past and current project sites. During the year several community groups, institutions and churches were mobilized and identified for project implementation. The department also spearheaded efforts to retain relationship with projects done in 2013 through service visits and functionality survey and identified areas that need to be addressed in future implementations as well as recommended sites for capital maintenance and extension of new water points as an alternative interventions.

• Conducted 5 major workshops for both Operations & Maintenance (O&M) and intensive training on governance and financial management.

• Strengthened collaboration between Government and LWSC in the areas of intervention.

• Improved participation in the areas where the community is engaged earlier in identification of appropriate interventions.

• Coordinating and completing the LWI Functionality survey of 91 water points.

• Conducted a joint Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) with the fellow members of the Kisumu WASH network.

Water committee repairing a hand pump after an O&M Training.

Community members participate in digging trenches for pipeline system

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2.3 Sanitation and Hygiene

The availability of water alone is insufficient to promote a healthy society. Consequently, there is great need to integrate the knowledge and practice of good hygiene and sanitation since most people end up in the hospital due to inadequate knowledge on the proper methods of practicing good hygiene and sanitation. Therefore with the aim of filling this gap, Living Water conducts hygiene and sanitation promotion geared towards equipping the individuals, communities and institutions with relevant knowledge about health and sanitation. Our goal is to see communities upholding lifelong health of families through education and advocacy. Our promotion strategies acknowledge that knowledge alone is not sufficient to change behavior, but is a necessary component.

In identifying and prioritizing health issues that affect communities, 57 assessments were conducted and 51 hygiene promotion sessions were steered to improve behavior change. Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation (PHAST) approach was used

during the training sessions.

Living Water facilitated the formation of 14 Health clubs and installation of hand washing facilities in Primary and Secondary Schools.

Hygiene PromotionThe process of changing hygiene behavior using systems and messages on what people know, do and want. It involves working with people to understand their beliefs, practices, taboos and building on this to achieve the desired hygiene behavior.

The aim of health and hygiene education in communities is to facilitate improved hygiene behaviors that will improve health initiative in terms of disease prevention and health promotion. In this way he communities will be able to motivate,advocate for the key health practicesin their area.

Approaches used in Hygiene promotion

• PHAST: Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation

• Living Water International traditional methods

• Social marketing through branding such as T-Shirts

Sanitation Promotion The objective of sanitation promotion is to ensure an open defecation free environment, so as to enhance and initiate behavior change amongst the community members. Living Water does not build latrines for communities, however advocates for latrine construction through use of locally available materials. Thus, it ensures communities take responsibility in addressing their open defecation challenge, by building and using their latrines and in case of collapse; they can be motivated to build again due to available local materials.

Approaches used in Sanitation promotion

• CLTS: Community Led Total Sanitation • PRA: Participatory Rural Approach• Social marketing


2.4 Church Mobilization and Gospel Proclamation (CM&GP)

All the community Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) works that Living Water conducts is a demonstration of the love of God, influenced by the love of Jesus Christ.

At Living Water, our mission is about much more than water. When we provide Water, for Life, in Jesus’ name, our hope is that those who receive it would know the grace and power of the true “Living Water” that alone satisfies the deepest thirst.

Helping communities create sustainable water, sanitation, hygiene, and Christian witness programs in partnership with local churches is just the best way we’ve found to do that. Why? Because the water crisis affects poverty, women, health and education—and for us it’s a spiritual issue.

Approaches used in CM &GP

• Church partnerships – agreements with local churches on how to work together in advancing the gospel.

• Orality trainings - Orality is an oral method of contextual Bible Storying, it allows

participants tointeract with the stories of the Bible as an oral learner. Participants do not just learn statistics and theories about oral cultures; they experience Contextual Bible Storying both as a listener and a storyteller.Orality is the fastest growing movement in evangelism today and it’s changing the face of missions around the world.

• Jesus’ Films –These are films extracted from Bible stories e.g. the life & Crucifixion of Jesus. The films are usually in different local languages to allow recipient communities understand and relate.

Right: A man studying the bible

Bottom-left: An orality group learning a story

Bottom-right: Community watching the Jesus’ Film

7Annual Review 2014

Kenya Acquires a Drill Rig

Since the inception of Living Water Service Centre in 2011 as an affiliate of Living Water International in Kenya, it has been

outsourcing its entire drilling works. As a stake holder in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene promotion, a lot needed to be done in improving water access in Kenya. Despite the great need for safe water projects, Living Water Service Centre’s potential was minimized. This was due to the high cost of contracting out drilling works, and lack of consistency. Different contractors implemented projects differently, minimizing consistency in standards. Nonetheless, the organization had to implement its mission of helping communities acquire safe clean water.

Sometimes, projects would be delayed, if and when contractors found more lucrative deals as they were in the business of making money. Being that Living Water Service Centre had no drilling equipment, the best the staff would do is to pray and wait on the contractors to deliver. At times, weekly, monthly and annual targets were not achieved for delayed project implementation by various contractors. This increased the great need for equipment that Living Water Service Centre could use to minimize last minute disappointments.

Upon sharing the organization’s dilemma with the Africa Regional Office, each day the staff hoped and prayed that a solution could be found. The staff hoped that they would either be allowed to rent a drill rig, or a long term contractual agreement with the suppliers.

Early 2013, a miracle happened to Kenyan staff, they were informed that they could own a rig in 2014. It seemed impossible; the cost of the drill rig could leave a big dent in their budget. Despite the elated hope, there were some worries amongst staff. If the rig were to be purchased with their then budget, it would mean that the production would go low meaning some staff would remain unemployed. The staff’ faith became stronger, prior, during and after the budgeting period. God answered their prayer as an additional budget was granted

specifically for the acquisition of the rig. As a result, none of the staff had to go home, more so the production numbers remained intact. At such times is when believers actualize the verse “Nothing is impossible with God.”

In 2014 emails started flowing from the headquarters in Houston, the Africa Regional office to Kenya. Great news, the rig purchase process has been initiated. Living Water International Kenya’s affiliate office was going to get a rig by mid-2014. This all never seemed real for the staff till the importation documents for the rig were shared, and a clearing agent contracted. Indeed Living Water Service Centre was going to acquire its own drilling rig to boost its operations.

In May 2014, a new drilling rig PRD 650 complete with and ELGI air compressor and mud pump arrived at the Kenyan coast. All the staff wanted to go and pick it from the coast, however that was not possible. The Lead Driller and Finance Officer travelled to the Kenyan coast and came back to the office driving the long awaited drilling Rig. The Kenyan staff kept pressuring the two, to share as much pictures of the rig throughout their journey to and from the Coast.

Upon the rig’s arrival to the national office, its registration process began, in registering Living Water Service Centre as a driller. In June 2014, the country office invited representatives from the Africa Regional Office, Ministry of Water, and Living Water Service Centre Board and dedicated the rig in a thanksgiving ceremony.

Currently, the Kenyan affiliate hopes to save

up to 28% of the total borehole drilling costs. The reduction in expense shall be boosted with the PRD 650 rig unlike initial mode of contracting suppliers. With the saved costs, Living Water Service Centre can become a better steward of its allocated resources. The organization also hopes to have increased efficiency in borehole constructions eventually saving on project construction time.

The rig is anticipated to ease work as its drilling team shall acknowledge and practice Living Water International’s code of conduct and Minimum standards. This shall eventually ensure and enhance consistent quality community projects. Having trained the drilling crew on orality, the rig has created more opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with communities as drilling is ongoing.

The journey of the rig acquisition has had its ups and downs. Above all, what was clear through it all is the power of prayer. As an encouragement to other affiliates and partners, many at times we may not have as much resources as we may want; take that need to God. Nothing is impossible with him. God Bless Living Water International!

An Answered Prayer


Above: Rig dedication

Right: Board member, RVP & CD remarks

Far right: Praying for the rig

9Annual Review 2014

The First: As the Living Water

Service Centre’s drilling rig rolled into the Kasule

Community Bible Church compound, residents gathered to see it better. The small church compound was soon filled with men, women and children and passersby, all asking what had brought the heavy lorry with unusual fittings to the neighbourhood.

Business at the church compound was interrupted and cheers filled the air as the church pastor announced that Living Water Service Centre had come to drill a borehole. Church members and a small crowd formed a circle with drillers from Living Water Service Centre, all clapping hands and singing the popular chorus, “Nyasaye Wuora In Ng’a Malong’o (My God, You’re a Great God).”

Learning in the two classes next to the church was suspended as teachers invited Pastor Samuel Kirika to tell the children a story about Jesus and the little children (Matt. 19:13). “Jesus said, ‘Let the children come unto Me, and do not hinder them,’” they chorused after him.

Kasule is a small community in the outskirts of Kisumu. Although so close to the bustling lakeside city, the community is typically peri-urban--neither rural nor truly urban. Fixed in the middle of two extremes, they get a little of both worlds and face challenges in equal measure. The roads are dilapidated, the sewerage system is broken down in most places, and a slum occupies the western side. For their water, they rely on shallow wells or handcarts bringing in water from the city.

“God knows our need for natural water, and He has sent Living Water Service Centre today to drill a borehole in this church compound.

However, it will be a tragedy if we drink this water, or use it for other purposes and miss heaven. Let us drink the water God has provided, but more importantly, let us not miss the Living Water which is Christ Himself,” said Pastor Kirika standing next to a stack of black pipes delivered the day before.

In 2013, the local church pastor visited the local city authorities and asked for help in extending water supply to the area. In response to the need, the local officials approached Living Water Service Centre and presented hydrogeological surveys showing the area had potential for good water yield.

After a brief sharing of the story of Jesus and the woman at the well (John 4:10), and a prayer for the groundbreaking, the drillers cordoned off the area to prevent the residents and children from getting too close.

Positioning the PRD 200m rig at the designated spot for the borehole, the team led by James Kioko fired up the engine. Soon, plumes of dust rose into the air. Children playfully beckoned each other, “See the thing digging and round

and round!” and adults fished out mobile phones to capture the moment. The roar of the engine and the dust were temporarily forgotten.

It was a remarkable moment indeed when the drilling began. It was doubly remarkable, given that it was the first time the new rig was being put to use in Kenya. Although it had been commissioned in June, 2014, it had to undergo the process of registration by the Ministry of Water in Nairobi before it could be commissioned. The drilling at Kasule took three days before they hit the water. The next process would involve running the water for several hours to clean up the borehole, to check its yield and to do a biochemical analysis before fixing a pump.

“We see many things in the communities we work with, but none is as fulfilling as faces brightening and voices praising God when water gushes out of a new borehole. It is simply unforgettable,” said the Living Water Service Centre operations manager, Mr. Daniel Githanji.

LEFT: Residents and church members of Kasule Community Bible Church gather around the drilling rig to witness the groundbreaking. RIGHT: Water gushes out of the new borehole three days later.

Unforgettable moment as Kenya’s new drilling rig hits the ground


Bearing the Burden

Lucia Marwa is not an ordinary 13 year old girl whose life revolves around school, home and friends. Lucia from Ogwedhi

village in Kisumu East Sub County is one of the very few young lads who get to realize their passion and potential early in life as a result of life’s difficulties.

She used to rise early each morning to fetch water. Every day, two hours of Lucy’s time was spent walking 12 kilometers through a dark, overgrown ravine to bring home 10 gallons of dirty water to her family. She could have used that time to study, dream, and simply be a kid, but instead she braved baboons and monkeys for water that would make her sick.

But Lucy Marwa had big dreams not only for herself but her entire village and other communities in the world that go through tough times in search of safe water. She took it upon herself to transform the lives of her community by raising funds for a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) project for her village.

Dreaming of a better life begins with clean water

In October 2014, Lucy Marwa was the chief guest for Living Water International’s fundraising Gala, in Houston, Texas. She shared with the attendees the implications of lack of a nearby safe water source and her personal dreams and her vision for her community. As young as she was, she took a bold step in creating WASH solutions for her community.

Today, Ogwedhi village has a safe, nearby sustainable water source at their village as a result of the funds raised due to Lucy’s activism and fundraising efforts. She dreams of the day when she can get a job and help her parents. Currently, she dreams of being a newscaster and Living Water International committed to finance her education so that in future she can touch more lives.

There is so much that we can give to change peoples’ lives, Lucy gave her time and energy. We all have something to give, it could be time, efforts or resources bottom line is there is something we can all do to end the water crisis!

11Annual Review 2014

Today, Ogwedhi village has a safe, nearby sustainable water source at their village as a result of the funds raised due to Lucy’s activism and fundraising efforts.


Finding Lucy


Women and Water Crisis My name is Maitabel Okumu, a mother

of two girls and a Public Health Officer by profession. I work as a Hygiene and

Sanitation Specialist at Living Water Service Centre, an affiliate of Living Water International in Kenya. The organization holds an annual gala at its headquarters Houston, in raising funds for WASH programs in 23 countries. In 2014, the gala was themed “Celebrating a woman.” I’d like to share with you my story, about how I represented African women and the challenges faced due to water crisis.

I was greatly surprised to receive a call from Living Water Africa, Region Vice President (RVP). I was in Kisumu East WASH Program area, going about my hygiene and sanitation activities. The RVP informed me that I, Maitabel Okumu was going to share my experience of the water crisis at a Gala. The gala event was to approximately host 1000 guests, yet I was to address such a multitude of distinguished backgrounds with WASH interest. Even though

I had been conducting hygiene education in communities, I had never addressed such a large multitude. Never in my life had I thought I’d ever need to address a 1000 people in one sitting. I was so shocked and asked the RVP multiple times if he was sure he made the right call, I recall saying “Me, giving a speech, are you sure?” He said, “Yes, this call is for you Maitabel” in seeing his confidence, I responded hesitantly “I will try.”

Growing up, we used to walk 5 kilometers (or 3 miles) to get water from a lake. Every day we would leave at 5 am on the hilly, difficult, walk and we’d get home 3 hours later. That was my first-hand experience with the water crisis. I saw many neighbors’ die of water borne disease and was inspired to study public health to find a solution to the water crisis. Most of the victims of the water crisis were women and girls. I wanted to lead a different life, and change the future of suffering communities.

After gathering courage within myself, I started pondering on what the expectations of the audience would be. Luckily, the LWI Gala committee walked me through the speech formulation process that was one worry and a great task off my list. Then came the visa process, I was tasked to organize the visa application process of 9 Kenyans that were to accompany Lucia Marwa, the Chief Guest of the Gala. The task was very complicated; I had lots of sleepless nights trying to get early visa appointments. One sad incident is when the mother to Lucia, the Chief Guest who happened to be under age was denied visa. “How would Lucia travel without the mother?” the father asked, “Lucia will not leave the country” he said in anger. We prayed, made calls to the embassy, worked around the clock and reapplied for a 2nd visa appointment for Lucia’s Mother. We couldn’t risk holding a massive event with a missing chief guest. Sadly, she was denied a visa the 2nd time, I felt exhausted, angered and drove back to the office in tears. I couldn’t be the one to share the sad news with my colleagues,” what would happen?” I wondered.

Upon sharing the sad news with my colleagues, an agreement was settled with the father to allow us to travel with Lucia on condition that I was to act as the mother. Out of the 9 visa applicants, 4 managed to secure a visa to the United States. As days went by, I fantasized in my head how the trip would be. I longed to see this plane; I pictured my self-giving this wonderful speech to the audience and couldn’t wait for the D-day.

Ultimately, on 31st September, a team of 18 women from Africa region were at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport ready to board for Houston, Texas. To most of us, that was a dream come true, to some it was the first time on the plane. Due to elated emotions, some went running around the airport and got lost, we had to find them, and we couldn’t leave them behind. After 18 hours, we arrived at our destination, ready for the gala.

Upon our arrival, we had a tight schedule of rehearsals in preparation for a spectacular gala.

In my Perspective


On 3rd October, 2014 I among other keynote speakers were picked in a sleek black Limousine. It was my first time in such a high end car, oh my! You should have seen me drop off at the 5 star Hilton hotel. I rocked my long African dress, and accessorized it with my attractive smile. It was the night I’d give my speech, my encounter of the water and health crisis. I just couldn’t wait!

The gala hall was well decorated, with dinner tables arranged, pictures on the wall and a well-placed podium for the speakers. The ambience was just right! Lucia Marwa’s dream of having water at her village was coming to life. By the end of the gala, funds would have been raised to improve the WASH situation in Lucia’s village and such other villages throughout the world. What inspired me most was the way the audience gave their donation in jubilation. It challenged me to

look at the world differently, and ponder on how I can give more to the needy.

When time came for my speech, I gave it with confidence and got a wonderful applaud. What touched me the most is that I made a difference, because women and girls are the biggest victims of the world water crisis – but we are not just victims, we are also its biggest heroes. The love contained in mothers’ hearts may just be the biggest resource to transform the world. There is hope, for those facing WASH disparities, so wherever you are, whoever you are, we all have a mandate to make the world a better place. I believe that women can still make a change, through such events my country; Kenya shall attain its development vision 2030. My appreciation to all that contributed to and attended the fabulous “Lucy” gala 2014! Aluta continua!

Women from Africa join Lucy Marwa (in yellow jeans) at the NASA Station in Houston, Texas, after the 2014 gala. Third from right is Maitabel Okumu, Living Water Kenya Hygiene and Sanitation Specialist.


From Imagination to RealizationNew Possibilities for Obaga Community

Mr Alfred Asweto, a resident of Obaga Village walks proudly in the backdrop of the legendary Kit Mikayi rock formation. “Kit Mikayi” which means “the first wife’s stone” is a tourist

attraction of unique rock formations located about 1km from the Bondo-Kisumu road towards Asembo Bay. A tall retiree with graying hair, Asweto is the chairman of Obaga community water management committee.

Although it is next to Lake Victoria, Asembo is a hot and humid place. Many residents have brown teeth, stained by water containing high amounts of fluoride. Safe water is difficult to get. On his daily visits to the pump house located in the same compound with Obaga Commu-nity Dispensary, Asweto is often accompanied by other committee members.

Outspoken and eloquent in the English language, he welcomes visitors and shows them two pump houses. The first one located across the road pumps raw water from the lake, while the second one pumps treated water to users. Living Water helped build the pump house as well as the water abstraction system that brings water from the lake.

Asweto explains how the system works. “Water is abstracted and pumped directly from the lake. The raw water is collected into the first tank. The sedimentation process involves the use of a flocculant which coagulates suspended particles and sinks them to the bottom of the tank. We then open a valve that uses pressure to flush it out. Once it is removed, the clean water is pumped into the storage tank and treated through an elaborate process before it is distributed to the dispensary and other users.”

When the water project began, women, men and children joined together to dig the 1.5km trench for pipes from the lake to the first pump house. However, a growing mass of water hyacinth threatens to clog the inlet at the lakeshore. The management committee is plan-ning to build a protective barrier to prevent clogging.

Also among the water users are about 300 children at Obaga Primary School and a widows’ self-help group with about 40 members. They generate income by selling water from the community project. Like many areas around the lake, cholera outbreaks as well as other water-borne diseases like bilharzias and diarrhoea were common. Asweto says that is not the case any more since Living Water installed the pump house.

Together with the pump house, Obaga Dispensary serves more than 2,000 households. Safe water use, together with training in hygiene and sanitation, have reduced the number of those visiting the dispen-sary with cases of waterborne diseases.

Community member fetching water at the water kiosk

Obaga community green house project.


RADIENYA VILLAGE CERTIFIED OPEN DEFECATION FREE!It takes lots of efforts and convincing for

anyone to change their way of life. Often culture is ingrained and for behavioural change

to occur, it takes some courage, commitment and determination. Such is the story of Radienya

Village, located in Kisumu East WASH Program Area. The inhabitants of the village were accustomed to open defecation as a way of life; they were not ashamed of practicing it openly. Living Water Kenya involved the community

in a Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) triggering and Health and hygiene education to help influence behavioural change.

In February 2014, Living Water’s efforts paid off when the village was declared Open Defecation

Free (ODF) on 5th February, 2014. The process of certification was independent and used CLTS practitioners not directly involved in the triggering process. Kenya Water for Hygiene Organization (KWAHO), through funding by LWSC in collaboration with Ministry of Health (Department of Environmental Health), conducted an exercise of determining the Open Defecation (OD) status of Radienya village. KWAHO and the Ministry of Health eventually gave a report and certificate declaring the village as ODF.

Previously LWSC had conducted one CLTS triggering, 6 hygiene education

ODF Certificate


meetings and 2 follow ups. During triggering, 19 out of 67 households lacked latrines. The health education and follow up conducted by LWSC saw increased latrine coverage. After noted behavioural change in latrine construction and usage amongst villagers, an exercise of certification was initiated to ascertain the living condition of the community members.

The critical aspect of certification was to encourage and celebrate sanitation progress and innovation attained by villager. It involved

visiting households and observing the indicators as contained in the household check-list and walking through the likely OD sites. The community perception (Natural leaders, the CLTS committee and Community Health Workers (CHWs) emanating from Radienya were unable to hide their joy over ODF status. They attributed the attainment of ODF status to their commitment to the process and support gained from their respective communities.

As Living Water we are grateful when a community takes steps in building and using latrines as a new alternative to open defecation. We congratulate Radienya Village for their courage in eliminating open defecation!

Below: LWSC hygiene & sanitation staff with Community Health workers


In the last quarter of 2012, a group from Living Water Service Centre visited Eshimuli Guest House in Butere District while collecting data

for a baseline survey. This was in identification of a WASH Program Area (WPA), in maximizing interactions and impact in a certain area. Little did the staff know that God led them to that specific Guest House for his greater purpose, to be realized in future. Later that year, Butere District was chosen as the second WPA within which LWSC would operate for the next 3-5 years.

Multiple projects began being implemented in the District. Early 2014, it was noted that most of the operations were in Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) churches or ACK sponsored schools and institutions. Upon that realization, Living Water began engaging some ACK churches on possibilities of partnership. While sharing the intent after Orality training, it seemed like a joke when a participant – Evangelist Robai Karani said he could easily connect us to the Diocese of Butere that

oversees all the Anglican churches in the area. After various meetings, Living Water eventually approached the ACK Diocese of Butere.

What was shocking was that, the ACK Diocese of Butere (ACK-DOB) offices were in the same compound as Eshimuli Guest House where Living Water was accommodated during its baseline survey period. God had plan for a partnership with ACK-DOB, but gave Living Water time to set base in Butere WPA. In August, 2014 the Diocese gave a positive response on the proposed partnership and a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed amongst the two parties to officiate the partnership.

The beautiful thing about the partnership is that the ACK-DOB has not only pledged to help Living Water advance Christian Witness, but shall also contribute to safe water provision. Among key items in the MOU is ACK-DOB shall that mobilize participants for Orality trainings, providing venues and meals; provide hand

pumps for selected projects within the WPA and mobilize people for hygiene and sanitation promotion sessions.

As Living Water Service Centre, we look at the partnership as an avenue of helping ACK-DOB advance the great commission by providing Water for life, in Jesus’ name. Through the partnership, more people shall be reached with the gospel and experience the “living water” which alone satisfies the deepest thirst.

Church Partnership Reaching More with the Gospel

Bottom-left: Signing of MOU by Christian Witness Coordinator, Samuel Kirika.

Below: MOU hand-over by Rt. Rev. Dr. Tim Wambunya, Bishop, Butere Diocese (on the left of the picture).


A day hardly ends without Mr Timothy Liyai receiving a call from his community asking him to help sink a new borehole

or to repair a damaged water point. Liyai is a technician with Serve, a partner of Living Water International that implements water projects in the Sabatia area of Kakamega County in Western Kenya.

One of his most recent calls came from the chairman of the Constituency Development Fund, asking Serve International to sink a borehole at a school and the nearby church.

Liyai works with Serve International Academy, where they have their main operations. The academy located off the Kakamega-Kisumu road boasts of 360 students and 38 staff. With such a population, the provision of safe water is crucial. It is served by a 100ft borehole.

“The academy started with 150 students in 1999 but has grown in leaps and bounds. During the holidays, children from the community camp here for Daily Vocational Bible School. Women and youth also hold their annual conferences here when students are away on holiday. They

like this place because it has a lot of water,” says Liyai.

Sabatia Sub-County in which the academy is located is a highly populated area. The area is green with vegetation and subsistence crops. Small streams criss-cross the landscape and farmers till the red soil and sell sweet potatoes, bananas, sugarcane, kales and maize at the bustling Vokoli market. However, water from the streams is contaminated.

“Before we sank boreholes in this area, the residents used to fetch water from the streams. Students from nearby schools queued with the villagers and there were cases of indiscipline and conflict with the community,” says Liyai.

The academy is an affiliate of Serve International Church. Serve has implemented more than 150 borehole and water protection projects in Sabatia Sub-County. Among the projects it has implemented as an affiliate of Living Water International are water projects in schools and churches. It also works closely with the District Water office to select which institutions need boreholes.

At Homunoywa Primary School, one of the institutions in which Serve has dug a borehole, we found Standard 7 and 8 pupils lining up for lunch. Their head teacher, Mr. Nicholas Mutange, says the pupils used to fetch water from a stream. However, it was difficult for the children and they sometimes got injured as they struggled to climb up the slippery banks.

“The stream is very near the school but since Serve dug this borehole, we now have clean water which we use for cooking for Standard 7 and 8 pupils. There are less cases of sickness and it saves them time for studying. We can now look forward to improved results,” says Mutange.

“We used to compete with other schools in this zone for the top position in academics. Nowadays, we also compete on who can provide lunch and clean water for pupils. In fact, parents and pupils put pressure on school heads when they ask why their schools don’t have clean water like we do,” he says.

Safe Water Creates an Academic Haven for Students

A pupil uses a hand-washing tank at Homunoywa Primary School.A pupil at Homunoywa Primary School demonstrates how they use the hand pump.


Millennium Water Alliance members engaging Picture with MWA patron, H.E. former President Mwai Kibaki

Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board and LWSC joint stakeholders’ forum in Kisumu Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board and LWSC joint stakeholders’ forum in Kisumu

Kenya office review team Field review at a pump site

PICTORIAL


Andrew Onyango is the chairman of the Masaba Water management committee. As usual, he often visits the Masaba

Market pump house to ensure it is working. Frequent power outages can affect the pump, he says.

Located near the water kiosk next to a busy road is an abandoned borehole that broke down the previous year. A pipe jutting from the ground is all that is left of a hand pump that used to serve the villagers. Onyango says apart from power outages, vandalism is common in the area.

“We used to have piped water here but one day we came to the borehole and found the pump

Far left: Water committee chairman Andrew Onyango stands next to a pump house at Masaba village.

Left: Water user Humphrey checks a trench for an extension from the pump house.

Pump Vandalism Rekindles New Dream

had been damaged. Part of the pump had been carried away by thieves. All our 53 members no longer had reliable and safe water,” says the committee chairman.

Unable to repair the damaged borehole, the villagers resorted to fetching water at the nearby Muyera stream. “Even if the water looks clear, it is not safe. Sometimes people suffered diarrhea and other diseases if they drank water from the stream,” says Onyango.

Humphrey Obanda, whose home neighbors the pump house, joins in. “The thieves who stole the hand pump caused a lot of damage. The piped water we had relied on for years was no

longer available until Living Water came and installed this pump. Thieves may steal, but they will not discourage us.” He had been digging a trench for an extension of the pipe from the pump house into his home, and in his hands was a new water meter.

“We have connected a few homes to the water supply. We also serve the water kiosk at Masaba market. Villagers pay Sh2 per 20-litre jerrican of water. That is what we use to maintain the water pump and pay for electricity. We keep watch to ensure that nobody will steal the pump this time,” says Onyango.

“We used to have piped water here but one day we came to the borehole and found the pump had been damaged. Part of the pump had been carried away by thieves. All our 53 members no longer had reliable and safe water,”


“Our dreams of a safe sustainable water source were almost shuttered when the borehole drilled by Living Water resulted

into a dry well. It was difficult breaking the news to the students who were excited and antici-pating… that they may have to continue with the long walks to the river to get water for the school use. ” said Mr. Saya the head teacher of Masaba Primary School in Butere WPA.

The school hardly ever had enough supply of water to cater for the needs of the 627 pupils and had to send them with jerricans in search of water at times even during class hours. This affected time spent in school curriculum as at times lessons would be can-celled for water collection from a river several kilometers away from the institution.

Children could find no time to play or even work on their as-signments as they were often tired from the long tiresome walk to and from the river for water collection. When it’s all work and no play, some pupils dropped out of school as there was no favorable environment for learning and socializing

After years of battling absen-teeism, poor performance

and waterborne disease cases, it was a sense of huge relief when Living Water committed to improve the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) status of Masaba Primary and Second-ary Schools through a WaSH project. Hygiene and sanitation promotions trainings began at the school to which the students actively participat-ed, looking forward to practice the new practic-es with the availability of water. As a result, a school health club was formed to advocate for healthy hygiene and sanitation practices.

Weeks later, a drill rig was mobilized to the school premises for drilling. The level of excite-ment was astounding…they all wanted to get a

glimpse of the actualization of their dream, clean water! Even when evening came, students were resistant of going home, and longed to see the water gash out of the pipes that were going underground. When darkness came, they were forced to leave and hard heartedly vowed to rise with the birds the next day to come enjoy the water that would have been found. Unfortunately, upon drilling to about 70 metres the engineers declared the well dry due to hydrogeological factors. They called the school management into a meeting and broke the sad news to them. It was such a sad encounter, like literally shattering the doors to ones dreams.

FREE AT LAST! A story of Hope from almost shattered dreams

Right: Pupils at Masaba Primary School at the hand-washing point.

Far right: The headteacher, Mr Saya, shows a promotional box for the school’s health club.


After weeks of consulting and surveys of the surrounding areas Living Water decided to rehabilitate Emasiba Water Project borehole which was nonfunctional and about 2kilome-tres to the school. Upon the completion of the rehabilitation of the well, and verification of a good yield an extensive pipeline system was done to serve Masaba Primary and Secondary Schools as alternative supply to the former dry well. The surrounding community participated in the trenching to help quicken the process. Even-tually, a tank and 2 wash points were installed

at the schools. The management did not share with the students what was happening until they were sure water will fill the tanks sustain-ably and the wash points have clean water for use.

Ultimately, the school was shocked to see water gashing in high amounts at their taps and their tanks full, with the fear that it would be short lived they fetched as much as they could and yet, it did not run out. The project was eventual-ly handed over to the school management and health club for running.

Recently, at a visit conducted to the school the head teacher exclaimed, “We hope to continue improving our performance since our students now have more time to study and are in a better health condition than before.”

Below: Students at Masaba Secondary School no longer fetch water from the nearby stream.


The word Ogwedhi, in one of Kenya’s local languages, Luo, means ‘’Blessed!’’ As the name suggests,Ogwedhi Village

located in Miwani West Sub-Location, Kisumu East District were blessed with clean and safe water in June 2014. The village with a population of about 560 people was identified through a hygiene promotion exercise, initially intended for the neighboring village of Radienya. Living Water Service Centre carried out hygiene promotion in the area, in partnership with the sub-county health office. When behavioral change was evident in Radienya village, bordering Ogwedhi,

Radienya was declared open defecation free (ODF). Upon Radienya village celebrating its ODF status, members of Ogwedhi community became curious. Their curiosity led their local leaders to request Living Water to teach them on good hygiene practices. Little did they know, of what was to come thereafter!

Ogwedhi community had a spring up the hill. That hill forms parts of the escarpment that provides land border between the Rift Valley and Nyanza provinces. The spring was not protected, yet its water yield was enough to

satisfy village water demand. Upon completion of hygiene and sanitation promotion in Ogwedhi, a community water project idea was birthed. Living Water Service Centre partnered with the community to protect the spring uphill. The spring protection was to allow for accessible safe water within close reach. The water engineers decided to protect the spring, and piped water downhill to the water kiosks which served as access points.

In the planning, the main challenge was that the location of the spring was on a bushy

Village’s Dream Actualized through Safe Water

Left: A woman waits for her container to fill up at Ogwedhi Water kiosk.

Right: The protected water spring from which water flows to Ogwedhi Village.


area of the hill, an area not accessible by any vehicle due to steep terrain and lack of roads. The question of how the building blocks and construction materials would be taken uphill became a dilemma. The villagers were filled with hopes of accessing water within close reach, nothing would deter their dream. Due to the community’s passion and need for the water project, they actively participated in the construction process. They provided manual labor at cheap cost, assisted in carrying building materials from downhill to the spring source, bush clearing and excavation of trenches. What seemed impossible became, possible.

Despite the sigh of relief of increased community participation, heavy rains became a challenge especially during excavation. The rains caused trenches to backfill to hard rocks, making the excavation of trenches a never ending task.Amid all the challenges, the construction was completed in June 2014. There was no greater joy than seeing the community access clean safe water, within close reach. “Living Water Service Centre came as a blessing! Not only have we improved of our hygiene practices, we now have Water near our homesteads. Walking long distances up hill in search of water is now a thing of the past!” said the water committee chair, Henry Gari.

Below: Women participate in pipeline trenching

Children fetching water from previous water source

Below: Community members deliver building blocks


While approaching communities, the entry assessment results determine the approach that Living Water

Service Centre uses. The most commonly used methodologies being either Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation (PHAST) or Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS).

In Butere WPA, open defecation was the order of the day, it seemed as though it was an assimilated way of life. Women, children and men of all ages practiced open defecation without reservations. It was normal for community members to walk through the remains. Each time we asked the question as to why the communities practice open defecation, none of them had a considerable answer.

Children would fall sick from time to time, however due to ignorance it was seen as a normal occurrence. “Children fall sick of diarrheal diseases from time to time, it is a normal thing.” Said one of the community

members during the initial entry assessment.

As a result of our encounters with rural communities, ignorance is bliss for many villagers. But the CLTS approach enables Living Water to walk with communities, enlightening them out of their ignorance. In May 2013, various meetings were arranged with local authorities, on how to address the open defecation disaster. Consequently, community members were engaged in the triggering process. As a result of the naming and shaming approach of CLTS, each house hold encouraged its occupants of the need for a latrine. In total 26 villages were triggered by Living Water Service Centre in collaboration with the Public Health Office, Butere.

A common excuse was the huge expense that came along with the construction of a latrine. However, Living Water advocated for use of locally available materials. The villagers came together in addressing their self-imposed open defecation behavior.

Ignorance is Bliss An Extract of Butere Open Defecation State

Amongst the triggered villages, the highest number was from Marama West Location. By mid-June 2014, 11 villages self-claimed Open Defecation Free and were verified by the Butere District Public Health Officer and Living Water Service Centre. The villages are Mulusi, Mungongo, Ebukubi, Eshiangosia, Mulukaji, Mwitubwi, Ebukana, Ituti, Elwaminyi, Muluhuso and Eburinde. Communities’ members attest of the reduction in diarrheal related diseases, and blame their ignorance from their prior accommodation.

CLTS has been used broadly in Butere Sub-County upon realizing that many community members practice open defecation, bearing in mind that improved sanitation is a constitutional right for all Kenyans and that it’s a requirement by the government. No more open defecation in Butere, no more ignorance. Living Water Service Centre hopes to celebrate the multiple open defecation free villages with increased triggering.

Left: A constructed latrine in Butere

Far left: Villager preparing for latrine construction


• Bad working terrain-Deep galleys encountered during digging of trenches at Radienya village caused project to extend beyond its intended timeline.

• The local governments in various areas set out plans to expand the murram roads. This though good development, affected the pipe lines which were already laid down along the roads at Ikoba in Kisii and Masaba in Butere. Some were destroyed and had to be removed and be re-laid.

• Equipment capacity: Borangi Water project drilling commenced and the borehole was drilled to a depth of

150m but LWSC equipment could not go to the recommended 200m due to its capacity. We sought for an external driller to complete the remaining 50m of drilling, develop and complete the borehole.

• Delays in acquiring government per-mits for Kisumu East sites that had been planned for drilling.

• Construction difficulties for the lake water treatment system at Obaga due to community interference and terrain. This was compounded by difficulties in application for electric power connec-tion to the system which was highly

2014 Challenges hiked beyond budget by Kenya Power provider.

• High amounts of account payables.

• Expected incentives and handouts by community members.

• Slow level of community of participa-tion and involvement of community Health extension works and public health officers

• Poor soil formation in Kisumu County decelerating the momentum of Sanita-tion promotion through CLTS approach.


• Need to check with local government on road reconstruction plans and road margins before laying out pipes along roads to avoid destruction in future road expansions.

• Treatment water systems constructed for community require more time spent with the community to learn on operations and maintenance and give guidance along the way for them to be able to run effectively.

• Community committee involvement from the beginning of the project through to the end will reduce any conflicts with community and build on ownership of the project

• Consultants be contracted to provide hydro geological survey and Environmental Impact Assessment reports only, while the organizations takes up the responsibility of following up on the NEMA and WRMA permits so as to avoid delays in acquiring the approvals.

• There is need to involve church leaders in hygiene promotion, this approach shall enable the leaders to preach or share of H&S with their congregants.

• Filling of reports and updating data on a monthly basis.

• Need of using LWI site to enhance knowledge and learning from other countries.

2014 Lessons Learnt

• LWSC was blessed to have in possession, a 150m capacity PRD 650 borehole drilling rig early in the year. The borehole drilling rig finally hit the ground at Kasule Community Bible Church and successfully drilled two wells in the area.

• The 2014 Living Water International Gala named after a Kenyan girl “Lucy” and featuring Kenyan projects in the Documentary.

• Joint successful stakeholder’s forum with Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board with over 200 stakeholders in attendance.

• The launch of Millennium Water Alliance Kenya (MWA-K) Strategy, with former President H.E. Mwai Kibaki as the Patron.

Celebrations


2014 Financials Funding /Revenue

We thank God because the LWSC budget has been increasing over the last three years as shown in the below

figure from June 2011 to 2013. Between 2013 and 2014 the total funding has increased from $ 768000 to $ 1,056,066. This is an increase of $ 288066 (37.5%). The increase was due an additional $200,000 which had been earmarked for the purchase of a Rig. In addition the Regional office and Houston office funded us with an addition 147,100 for two additional wells, $114,000 to cater for the accounts payables, $2,500 to carry out functionality monitoring and $ 2,000 in support of board meeting. Depreciation for 2014 was $ 35979, while Auditing cost was $ 3573.40.

RevenueFrom the below figure it can be seen that the highest percentage of expenditure of 58% ($570,141) went to hardware. It entailed major contract works which include borehole drilling, civil works, various purchases. The software and administration expenses consumed 29% ($286,272). Software was composed of Christian witness and hygiene and sanitation activities. Community engagement and short term trip preparation consumed 13% ($ 119,315) of the budget.

Funding Between June 2011 to December 2014

USD in 1000s

Prev Year Income Comparison

Short Term Trips-Logistics 1,512.76

Monitoring & Evaluation 3,510.08

Operations & Maintenance 4,605.52

CM&GP 25,954.74

Rehabs 26,847.13

Community Engagement 34,239.15

Alternative Water Projects 41,436.80

Hygiene Promotion 54,098.97

Admin-In Country 114,680.03

Office & Housing 167,596.10

New Wells 497,253.77

Short Term Trips-Logistics

Monitoring & Evaluation

Operations & Maintenance

CM&GP

Rehabs

Community Engagement

Alternative Water Projects

Hygiene Promotion

Admin-In Country

Office & Housing

New Wells

2011

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

2012 2013 2014 2015





CM&GP 25,954.74

Rehabs 26,847.13










CM&GP

Rehabs



Hygiene Promotion

Admin-In Country

Office & Housing

New Wells




CM&GP 25,954.74

Rehabs 26,847.13










CM&GP

Rehabs



Hygiene Promotion

Admin-In Country

Office & Housing

New Wells


To help you understand us better, the below questions and answers should inform you more about Living Water and its activities.

• What is Living Water Service Centre?

• Why water?

• Who Benefits from Living Water Service Centre’s work?

• Where does Living Water Service Centre work?

• Why doesn’t sponsorship money go directly to communities or locals?

• How does Living Water Service Centre Choose communities in which it works?

• How does Living Water Service Centre make a difference?

• How long do the communities remained engaged with Living water Service Centre?

• How does Living Water Service Centre ensure sustainability of the water projects?

• Being a Christian organization, does Living Water only work in Christian communities?

What is Living Water Service Centre? Living Water Service Centre (Living Water) is a Christian non-governmental organization that exists to demonstrate the love of God, by helping communities acquire desperately needed clean water, and to experience “living water”-the gospel of Jesus Christ-which alone satisfies the deepest thirst. It is an affiliate of Living Water International, headquartered in Houston, Texas – USA.

Why water?

For Living Water it’s all about Jesus. It’s about demonstrating God’s love, announcing his kingdom, seeing Jesus in the least of our brothers and sisters, offering a cup of water in Jesus’ name and proclaiming his gospel, the “living water”.

Helping communities create sustainable water, sanitation, hygiene, and Christian witness programs in partnership with local churches is just the best way we’ve found to do that. Why? Because the water crisis affects poverty, women, health and education—and for us it’s a spiritual issue.

Who Benefits from Living Water Service Centre’s work?

Communities and institutions with desperate need for clean water, we also share the gospel of Jesus Christ to various audiences e.g. churches, schools etc.

Where does Living Water Service Centre work?

Living Water Service Center is the legally registered affiliate of Living Water International in Kenya. Initially, the organization used to

implement WASH projects throughout the country. In 2013, it started using a WASH Program Area (WPA) approach, which means spending 3-5years in certain areas for maximized impact. Currently, Kisumu East and Butere Districts serve as the WPAs.

Why doesn’t sponsorship money go directly to communities or locals?

To influence durable change, Living Water works with the specific communities to improve the water facilities and resources in areas with desperate need for water. Working with the communities, enables Living Water to teach the communities on the operations and maintenance of the Water projects to ensure sustainability of safe water after completion of water projects.

How does Living Water Service Centre choose communities in which it works?

At the Country level, Living Water works hand in hand with the Ministry of Water which helps in recommending areas with desperate need for water. Additionally, some projects are implemented in areas with extreme need for WASH services after community requests and verification surveys by Living Water.

How does Living Water Service Centre make a difference?

The provision of safe drinking water to communities at easily accessible areas ensures children go to school; men and women go to work and can engage in agricultural activities contributing to the general development of the communities’ areas and Country.

LIVING WATER SERVICE CENTREFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)


How long do the communities remained engaged with Living water International?

After the completion of a water project, the organization remains in constant communication with the community for a year after which the empowered water management committee takes full management over the water project.

How does Living Water Service Centre ensure sustainability of the water projects?

To ensure that the communities and institutions supported through projects and the benefits realized are maintained and continue long after the end of project funding by Living Water is one of our key concerns. As part of Sustainability, Living Water ensures that water keeps flowing and through community involvement, operations and maintenance trainings of the project management committees; this enables the community to be in a position to operate and maintain the water project long after Living Water’s exit. The sustainability arm of the organization conduct service visits from time to time.

Being a Christian organization, does Living Water only work in Christian communities?

We share a conviction that our work should demonstrate and proclaim the gospel — water and living water. This however, does not limit us to only work in Christian communities; we minister to the poorest of the poor and work to end the global water crisis. The water crisis knows no religion, as an organization the provision of water access to communities with desperate need for clean safe water is influenced by the love of Christ; we work with all communities irrespective of their religious affiliations.

Annual Review 2014

BOARD MEMBERS 2015

SENIOR MANAGEMENT 2015

Jim Malliet

Boniface Adoyo

Jacktone Akelo Caroline WambuiDaniel Githanji Caroline Magodo Austin OyulaSamuel Munywoki

Ruth Okowa Prof. Francis Lelo Shona Barnard Zack Aspegren

Rev. Judy MbuguaBob Thorp Anna Mwaure

LIVING WATER SERVICE CENTRE | Kenya Office | P.O. Box 404-00621 Nairobi, Kenya Office | Tel: +254 723 749 380www.water.cc

Special thanks to:

Living Water Arica Regional Office, communities and donors who made the attainment of improved WASH services a reality for communities in need, in Kenya.

Content contributors: Carolyne Magodo, Daniel Githanji, Daniel Okoth, Austin Oyula, Phyllis Kaptuiya, Samuel Munywoki, Samuel Kirika, Maitabel Okumu and Lucy Goro.

Help Us Reach More

Living Water Service Centre is a non-profit organization that exists to demonstrate the love of God by helping communities acquire desperately needed clean water, and to experience “Living Water” — the gospel of Jesus Christ — which alone satisfies the deepest thirst.

Water Access Christian WitnessHygiene and Sanitation Promotion

Documents

Annual Report-LWSC Kenya 2015