Kenya: the water that brings new life.

Abstract

To offer a solution to the water problem in the Kwale District, Coast Province, Kenya, the Kwale Water and Sanitation Project has been launched. The pilot programme included the drilling of about 100 boreholes and installing handpumps. The programme is run by the Kenyan Water for Health organization (KWAHO) and has supported more than 100 water-related projects to benefit women, the major water suppliers. KWAHO's work has a strong emphasis on self-help and community participation in the programme's planning, implementation, maintenance and evaluation. Most of the work is organized and carried out by the people themselves, in particular women's groups, in cooperation with health and water experts from outside and with district community development officials. In addition to water supply and sanitation, the quality of life of the villagers has been improved. The example of KWAHO demonstrates that NGOs are capable of managing small-scale programmes which have a wider reach, i.e. helping people to take control over their lives