WASH programs

waste dumping into Nanyuki River that drains water into Ewaso Nyiro River which is used by communities in Laikipia North for livestock, drinking and domestic use in 2023

In arid and semi-arid regions like northern Kenya, up to 70% of the population faces challenges in accessing clean and reliable water sources (NDMA, 2018). These essential services are crucial for the health, dignity, and economic well-being of communities, yet many residents face daily struggles to secure even the most basic necessities. These challenges contribute to severe health issues, hinder educational opportunities, and perpetuate cycles of poverty. According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2014, many households in these areas lack access to clean water. Residents often rely on seasonal rivers and boreholes, which are frequently dry or contaminated. Women and children, in particular, bear the burden of walking long distances—sometimes up to 10 kilometers daily—to fetch water, a task that consumes significant time for other economic activities and exposes them to various risks such as attack by wild animals. Additionally, many communities lack proper toilets, forcing people to practice open defecation, which significantly leads to the contamination of water sources, exacerbating the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid (Ministry of Health, Kenya, 2019). The lack of proper sanitation facilities in schools particularly affects girls' education, as they often miss school during menstruation due to the absence of private and hygienic sanitation facilities. Lastly, in unforeseen global outbreaks like COVID 19, these regions are hampered by the limited availability of water and therefore handwashing with soap, a crucial practice for preventing disease transmission, is not consistently practiced. This contributes to high rates of communicable diseases, particularly among children, who are more susceptible to infections. This fate remains unsolved and worsening everyday with continued changes in weather patterns due to climate crisis. That's why ACTNOW KENYA champions WASH infrastructural development in schools, homes and among communities that suffer most with one purpose---to ensure that clean accessible water flows for years to come.

6 to 10 hrs

60%

open defecation rates leading to waterborne diseases like typhoid

daily of walking to fetch water

Only 29%

have access to basic handwashing facilities with soap and water at home which make kids below the age of 5 contract communicable diseases

The challenges regarding access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene are profound and multifaceted with far-reaching impacts on health, education, and overall quality of life. These are stark reminders of the urgent need for sustainable solutions. Addressing these issues therefore requires a concerted effort to develop and implement community-led projects that provide reliable access to clean water, build adequate sanitation facilities, and promote essential hygiene practices. At ACTNOW KENYA, we are committed to creating a lasting change and make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by WASH deficiencies. We call upon individuals, organizations, and governments to join us in this vital mission. By supporting our initiatives through donations, partnerships, and advocacy, you can help ensure that these vulnerable communities have the resources they need to thrive. Join us in turning action into impact and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.

on clean water;

Nanyuki River clean-up campaign, 2023

In the picture, young people from different youth organizations in Laikipia County stand in front of Nanyuki Law Court demanding the release of two arrested activists and the immediate responsibility of Laikipia county on the poor disposals done by companies into this critical ecosystems in the upstream. Nanyuki river drains water into the Ewaso Nyiro river which is main used by Laikipia North communities as the primary source of water in dry seasons for domestic and agriculture. This initiative successfully lead to release of activists, Nanyuki River clean by county government and occasional tree planting activities along the river.

Time to care before streams are bare.

- The Dharma Trails, Inspiration, and Awareness