Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) Program Among the Maasai Community

B: our programs and placements do not discriminate anyone based on religion, race, creed, economic background, sexual orientation, tribe or any form of discrimination or segregation. We are a team of open -minded people with a global exposure working with local communities.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

In Kajiado County, Kenya, is faced with severe water shortage, scarcity and sanitation challenges, with majority of residents depending on unclean, seasonal sources of water, accelerating to high contamination rates. While 83.4% of households report sufficient water for needs, only 17.4% treat water, and many water sources contain high fecal coliform counts. Recent efforts, including "Financing locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA), are improving infrastructure, including fencing, water storage, and piping to schools, community health centers and community water points. [Data supported by World Health Organization WHO and International Rescue Committee IRC]

Specific water and sanitation (WASH) situation in Kajiado County:

• • Scarcity of water: Kajiado County has seasonal rivers salinity particularly in the side of Amboseli National Park overlooking Mt. Kilimanjaro.
  • Risk on Contamination: in recent study, high levels of coliform bacteria in household water, with some samples showing over 1800 MPN (Most Probable Number) of coliform counts were reported.
  • Water Access: Kajiado County Residents sometimes depends on contaminated, algae-infested water points and wells, particularly during droughts seasons.
  • Upgrading of Infrastructure: The roll of initiatives like the Financing locally led climate change [FLLoCA] program are protecting springs and installing, for example, 4 water chambers and increasing access to clean water in areas like Olasiti.
  • Hygiene Practices: Only a small percentage of households practice safe water treatment (44.4% boiling, 31.1% chlorination) or even hand washing, being a basic way to prevent communicable diseases.

WASH Initiatives and Partnerships within the Kajiado County

• • Strengthening the systems: The department of Kajiado Water Services works in collaboration world Vision and WASH Alliance, for sustainability of water systems. But the need for human specialty to work with the community is wanting.
  • Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS): The program have trained several facilitators to improve sanitation but refresher courses are needed for the emerging local and global challenges especially in face of climate change.
  • Integrated Approaches: Integration of AMREF led Sexual Reproductive Heakth Rights (SRHR) model, has been playing a key role in reducing harmful traditional practices like Female Genital Mutilation [FGM].

Challenges and Impacts

• • Invasive Species: The Prosopis juliflora (locally known as Maden/Mathenge) plant is siphoning groundwater with roots extending to 35 meters, exacerbating water scarcity.
  • Livestock Losses: Water scarcity and the toxic, invasive plant are killing livestock, affecting livelihoods.
  • Health Hazards: Lack of safe water leads to waterborne illnesses, with children in some areas drinking water from contaminated, algae-filled sources.

Ongoing Efforts

• • Water Management Policy: The county is focusing on water conservation, management strategies, and upgrading water infrastructure for both domestic and livestock use.
  • Civic Engagement: Strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations to hold duty-bearers accountable for water service delivery.

Learning Objectives

• • Apply core WASH programming approaches and participatory health promotion techniques
  • Learn the impact of Community Led Total Sanitation Model and how to sustain it
  • Learn from other key stakeholders about Financing locally Led Climate Action and the global perspectives
  • Conduct field-based research and basic data collection related to hygiene behavior change
  • Analyze connections between water access, sanitation practices, energy use, and public health
  • Strengthen cross-cultural communication and community engagement skills in rural settings

TASKS & REQUMENTS

Responsibilities within this WASH Internship and volunteering’s in this particular project in Kenya vary based on an intern’s or volunteer goals, academic background, and interests, as well as the evolving needs of the community, but all in all, the program offers valuable learning lessons and life changing personal attribute and a mind opener especially working with remote communities.

What You’ll Do being an intern or volunteer

• • Participate and Conduct household WASH assessments and support baseline data collection in collaboration with other stakeholders
  • Assist with community outreach and hygiene education activities in promotion of Financing locally led Climate action
  • Co-develop and deliver hygiene promotion campaigns in schools, community health centers and households especially hand washing being the basic personal hygiene to avoid communicable diseases
  • Facilitate participatory discussions on water, sanitation, and health practices
  • Document improvements in community water access and sanitation infrastructure
  • Track behavior change indicators and assist with simple monitoring activities
  • Collaborate with local staff and community leaders on project activities
  • Travel to rural communities to observe and support WASH initiatives in the field
  • Be open minded and develop your own targets for your personal growth and building your own impact

Requirements

• • Background in WASH, environmental health, public health, or a related field
  • Interest working with local communities for a common good especially for volunteers with no technical skills
  • Be comfortable with community outreach, basic data collection, and facilitation
  • Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and adaptability in rural and cross-cultural settings
  • Be willing to travel to rural sites and work in field conditions
  • Show strong communication and teamwork skills
  • Be motivated to learn, contribute, and engage with community-driven development
  • Be outgoing and develop your own workplan based on your skills, interest to build your own legacy and impact