WHERE WE WORK

KENYA

Before Sobonfu died in 2017, she confirmed an interest in supporting a project brought to us by a village elder in southern Kenya. The region is home to a large community of Masai, an ancient tribe with an incredible history and heritage in Africa. The initial proposal focused on creating a new well, or borehole as it is referred to there, in the village of Narok.

Although the village had a well, it had stopped functioning. This was due to it being too shallow, as well as a deteriorating infrastructure. Although other wells did exist in the area, this location was struggling. The terrain is hilly and dry, spread out over many miles. So even if a borehole is a few miles away, there’s no way for a village member to get there other than walking. Very few have access to vehicles. As it is, the women of the community often walk up and over foothills to the nearest water source. It is far from practical.

Drilling requires extensive surveys and support from local government. The terrain generally requires drilling deep to assure a consistent water source is tapped. Also most wells require additional infrastructure such as storage tanks, troughs for animals and reinforced drinking areas. Because the Masai tend many heads of cattle, sheep and goats, it is essential to create separate areas for those animals to drink from. However the ongoing numbers each day coming to the wells mean the ground becomes churned and unclean. Reinforced concrete around the drinking troughs helps maintain the integrity of the area and assures that it can function properly.

Although financial support was made to begin the drilling, complications with the drilling company has placed this initiative on hold. We hope to continue with it soon, as this is an area in desperate need. The local villagers are pressuring the drilling company to comply with the contract and we hope for resolution soon.

KENYA

Before Sobonfu died in 2017, she confirmed an interest in supporting a project brought to us by a village elder in southern Kenya. The region is home to a large community of Masai, an ancient tribe with an incredible history and heritage in Africa. The initial proposal focused on creating a new well, or borehole as it is referred to there, in the village of Narok.

Although the village had a well, it had stopped functioning. This was due to it being too shallow, as well as a deteriorating infrastructure. Although other wells did exist in the area, this location was struggling. The terrain is hilly and dry, spread out over many miles. So even if a borehole is a few miles away, there’s no way for a village member to get there other than walking. Very few have access to vehicles. As it is, the women of the community often walk up and over foothills to the nearest water source. It is far from practical.

Drilling requires extensive surveys and support from local government. The terrain generally requires drilling deep to assure a consistent water source is tapped. Also most wells require additional infrastructure such as storage tanks, troughs for animals and reinforced drinking areas. Because the Masai tend many heads of cattle, sheep and goats, it is essential to create separate areas for those animals to drink from. However the ongoing numbers each day coming to the wells mean the ground becomes churned and unclean. Reinforced concrete around the drinking troughs helps maintain the integrity of the area and assures that it can function properly.

Although financial support was made to begin the drilling, complications with the drilling company has placed this initiative on hold. We hope to continue with it soon, as this is an area in desperate need. The local villagers are pressuring the drilling company to comply with the contract and we hope for resolution soon.