Our Well Drilling Initiatives
The Samburu Project has completed its first initiative, 25 Wells, which aimed at drilling 25 wells in the Wamba area of the Samburu District, Kenya. In 2010, the Samburu Project began its second well drilling initiative.
Thus far, we have completed the drilling and installation of 29 wells in Samburu Kenya, Africa.
Water Wells Drilled to Date
Since, July 2006, we have drilled twenty nine (29) wells bringing clean, safe drinking water to THOUSANDS of people.
Well Location Minimum Number of People Served*
- Ngilai West — 750
- Parkishom — 650
- Nkuponu — 1000
- Lkisin — 550
- Logoricho — 500
- Milimani — 750
- Lorian — 1,000
- Lower Sordo — 750
- Embakasi — 1,500
- Wamba Boys School — 800
- Lopesio — 1,500
- Lopesio — 2,500
- Ntepes — 2,500
- Loruko — 1,750
- Matakwani — 1,000
- Lbaa onyokie — 1,050
- Lesingiran — 750
- Lengusaka 1 — 1,500
- Lengusaka 2 — 1,000
- Sirata — 1,500
- Remot 1— 1,000
- 22 Remot 2 — 925
*These numbers are conservative as they simply count the number of households in the areas. They do not take into consideration outsiders and livestock who draw from the well. The number of people that benefit from the well far exceeds the number of households in the area.
Our Approach to Water & Wells
The Samburu Project model creates wells that can be easily maintained and sustained by the local communities. The Samburu people are traditionally nomadic pastoralists who live very simply without modern conveniences like electricity, cars and, of course, running water. Their economy is based more on the barter system rather than currency, so often access to cash is limited. Therefore, it is unreasonable to expect that the Samburu people would be able to maintain a highly sophisticated piece of technology.
Consequently, we have chosen to drill and install shallow wells (between 50 and 75 meters) equipping them with hand pumps. As a part of the well drilling process leaders within the Samburu Project hold maintenance as well as hygiene and sanitation workshops so that the communities can trouble shoot any potential issues with the wells while keeping their water safe and clean. Together with the community, the hydrogeologist and the drilling company, The Samburu Project is able to successfully drill sustainable wells.
How We Collaborate with the Community
The Samburu Project prides itself on being a community-based, grassroots project, working directly with community members on the ground. The Samburu Project has a Community Based Organization (CBO) in Wamba, Samburu with a governing board. Through this entity, we support community leaders and work to make decisions at the grassroots level. The local members are making the best decisions for their community and the CBO assists the communities throughout the region that have benefited from The Samburu Project’s water development program. If a community comes up against unsolvable issues, they can consult with and seek support from the CBO. Also, with specific criteria, the CBO selects communities in which to target for well drilling.
What Happens Once Communities Have Water?
The Samburu Project’s goal is to move beyond water. Once communities have easy access to clean water, The Samburu Project aims to address various areas of development such as health, education, income generation and women’s empowerment.