COMMUNITY COLLABORATION

Since 2005, The Samburu Project has been fortunate to work with dozens of individuals, families and foundations to provide clean water to communities in need. But, more importantly, we have also worked hand in hand with the people of Samburu. All initiatives are community led, making them more sustainable, and supported by local partners who make sure the water will continue to flow for generations to come. 

THE WELL DRILLING PROCESS

application

Every year, dozens of representatives from community groups across Samburu apply to The Samburu Project’s Wamba Office for water relief. If no members of the community can read or write, our Project Manager helps them complete the application and documentation required by the Water Regulatory Agency of Kenya. Each group is then vetted by our team, and 10 applications are chosen!

surveying

We work with local contractor Groundwater Max to complete hydrogeological surveys for all the sites. Various factors including geographic location, rainfall, land use, surface water, ground water, aquifer properties, and water demand are taken into account. Based on the findings, an analysis is made to assess groundwater potential for the project area. During this time, our team also conducts baseline surveys to asses community health, access to education, economic standing, nutrition, and more.

well drill

After the surveys are complete, permits are filed, and the drilling company is mobilized to Samburu. The community plays an active role in clearing a path for the rig and ensuring drilling goes smoothly. Our wells are drilled approximately 70 meters deep - a process can take up to seven days. Once the well is properly developed, gravel is packed and sealed to avoid any contamination from shallow aquifers, water samples are taken for physical, chemical and bacteriological analysis, a concrete trough is constructed for the animals, and a hand pump is installed. The Samburu Project's team on the ground oversees the entire process from start to finish!

community training

After the each well is drilled, the community attends a mandatory hygiene & sanitation workshop led in collaboration with the department of health. They are taught not to let animals defecate near the wells, why it is important to wash your hands, how to properly store water, and more!

REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE

The wells belong to the communities they serve and we want to make sure we acknowledge that. We help each community identify 3 members to serve on a well maintenance committee. During drilling, the committee is taught how to properly maintain the well and make small repairs. In addition, our team monitors each well at least twice a year and, when the committee needs help, we are there to jump in.

Of the 149 wells we’ve drilled in the area, 90% continue to serve their communities today.