Stories/blog

How Water Scarcity Impacts Kenyans

Water scarcity is a pressing issue that affects millions worldwide, and Kenya is no
exception. Both rural and urban populations grapple with the consequences of
water scarcity, exacerbating challenges related to health, education, and
economic stability. The impact of climate change has further intensified this issue,
altering traditional weather patterns and making reliable access to clean water
even more elusive for communities across the country.

In Kenya, particularly in regions like the Rift Valley region, the traditional wet and
dry seasons have been disrupted by climate change. The length, intensity, and
timing of rainfall have become increasingly unpredictable, posing significant
challenges for agricultural activities and water resource management. With more
than 70% of the population engaged in farming, the implications of erratic
weather patterns are profound, affecting not only food security but also water
availability.

During the dry season, communities in both rural and urban areas face acute
water shortages. Schools and households reliant on rainwater collection systems
find themselves struggling as concrete tanks dry up, leaving them with no choice
but to travel long distances to fetch water from alternative sources. This not only
consumes valuable time but also exposes individuals, particularly women and
children, to safety risks as they navigate to distant water points.

Conversely, the rainy season brings its own set of challenges. While the arrival of
rain may alleviate immediate water shortages, it often leads to water
contamination as runoff washes pollutants into unprotected water sources. This
contamination poses serious health risks, contributing to the spread of
waterborne diseases and further burdening already vulnerable communities.

Amidst these challenges, Tekelbei Foundation plays a crucial role in providing
relief to needy communities through initiatives aimed at enhancing access to
clean and safe drinking water, such as the setting of rainwater collection systems
and installation of borehole wells.

In Bomet County, Tekelbei Foundation’s efforts have transformed the lives of
thousands of individuals by providing reliable water sources to needy rural
communities. By ensuring access to clean water, the foundation not only
addresses immediate needs but also promotes long-term health, education, and
economic development. Through collaborative efforts and strategic interventions,
Tekelbei Foundation offers hope for a future where water scarcity is no longer a
barrier to thriving communities.

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Testimonials

Investing in clean safe water, is investing in lives.

“Before Tekelbei Foundation stepped in to give me a tank, it was a struggle to get clean water during the drought season as the rivers would dry up. I had to queue with other villagers at the river so I could also fetch the water,” says Edna Sigei from Leldaet village.

With the tanks installed in several homes, it has cut short the number of times people have to go to the river to get water.

“We now don’t have water storage issues as we can catch rain water and during dry seasons we can store river water in the same tank,” says Joseah Koech who also lives in Leldaet.
Through the donation of tanks, life has become simpler and easier and allowed families to be self-sufficient at all times.

“We can now keep water for 2-3 months until the next rainy season,” adds Sharon Langat from Blugam village.

Overall, those who have benefited hope that the foundation will continue to supply even more tanks to more people.

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Testimonials, Video

We now have more time to focus on other activities

Every day women and children spend 200 million hours fetching and collecting water. This is time that could be spent on income generating activities, domestic chores, and education for children.

Before the tank installation, John Koech, a retired teacher from Leldaet, Bomet County shares it was difficult to go fetch water that was not necessarily clean from the river which was 3 kilometers away. Further, they could only carry 20 liters jerrycans which could end up being 3 trips in a day.

 

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Stories/blog

The Value of Water Tanks in Fighting the Climate and WaterCrisis

In our unwavering commitment to the well-being of rural communities, Tekelbei
Foundation, believes that the provision of water tanks is not just a charitable act,
but a strategic solution in the fight against water scarcity.

Providing durable water tanks to needy rural community members covers them
from changing water availability and extreme weather patterns. In general using
tanks for water storage meets a larger need such as clean drinking water, water
supply for growing cities, flood control, clean energy, transportation, and
irrigation.

Water stored for food production can help manage the effects of droughts, which
in turn promotes the health and economic development of the most vulnerable.
In rural areas, where there is bigger gap in access to tapped/piped water supply,
most families are forced to contend with looking for water in unprotected rivers
and water pans. Installation of water tanks offers a lifeline of resilience. When
communities are able to use tanks to store rainwater, it allows them to be self-
sustaining and have water available for essential household needs.

Tanks offer one of the key solutions in tackling the global water crisis.
Among the advantages of tanks are:

a) Reliable water supply

The installation of water tanks in rural homes ensures a steady supply of water,
especially during periods of drought or water scarcity. For communities where the
main water supply such as rivers is unpredictable, these tanks offer a lifeline,
ensuring that families have access to water for drinking, cooking, and sanitation.
By harnessing rainwater, households can reduce their dependence on the main
water supply. With each drop collected, the promise of water security becomes a
reality for rural families not just in Bomet but the world over.

b) Affordable solution

In Africa, 230 million will not be able to access clean water by 2025. For families
burdened by the high cost of water supply, the installation of water tanks offers
much-needed relief. By collecting and storing rainwater, households can
significantly reduce their water bills over time, freeing up financial resources for
other essentials.

c) Low carbon footprint

Climate change is fast becoming a daily threat. In this regard, the adoption of
rainwater tanks offers a sustainable solution to reducing carbon emissions. By
minimizing reliance on energy-intensive water treatment and transportation
processes, households can play a crucial role in preserving the environment for
future generations.

With each drop of rainwater collected, brings a promise of sustainability and
creating a world with greener and more eco-conscious generations.

d) Less strain on major water sources

It is typical to see groups of villagers including women and children walking
several kilometers to get to the nearest river or water pan.

This usually leads to the strain on the main water sources especially during times
of drought or water scarcity. When the only river in a community dries up, this
places the health and lives of community members in danger. However, with
water tanks serving as reservoirs, households can alleviate this burden, reducing
the demand on already stretched water sources.

By collecting and using rainwater, families contribute to the efficient use of water
resources, ensuring that water is available for all, even in times of scarcity.

e) Reliable backup

In moments of crisis, when disaster strikes and the main water supply becomes
contaminated or unavailable, water tanks offer a reliable backup source of clean,
safe water. Whether it's during a natural disaster or another emergency, the

stored rainwater in these tanks ensures that families have access to a vital
resource when it is needed most.

f) Quality of water supply

Rainwater collected in water tanks is naturally soft and free from the minerals and
chemicals found in rivers or wells, making it ideal for various household purposes.
By using rainwater, households can enjoy clean, pure water without the additives
found in treated water, ensuring the well-being of their families.

Through the tireless efforts of the Tekelbei Foundation, the lives of 2000
individuals in rural Bomet have been transformed, with water now accessible at
their very doorstep through the provision of water tanks. This achievement not
only addresses immediate water needs but also contributes to the bigger fight
against climate change through the reuse of water.

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