A River Reborn: How the Kisayani-Enzou Water Project Transforms Kitui South

In the heart of Kitui, a paradoxical sight unfolds as you stumble upon a dry riverbed, once barren and parched, now brimming with water. This seemingly arid landscape conceals a hidden treasure - locals diligently excavate the sandy terrain in search of this precious lifeline. It's a stark reflection of the relentless drought that has besieged Kitui, leaving its indelible mark on the community. Desperation drives women and children to embark on daunting journeys, spanning 6 to 10 kilometers, just to secure two 20-liter jerrycans of water. If fortune smiles upon them, they may return with four if a donkey accompanies their grueling trek. Amidst this water crisis, the SMEK water project launched on 19th October 2023 emerges as a beacon of hope, generating a staggering 73 cubic meters of water per hour. For the people of Kitui, this seemingly abstract number translates into the promise of salvation, offering respite from the clutches of a devastating drought and a chance to alleviate their arduous daily struggle for water.

In collaboration with the Kitui County Government, a subsurface dam was constructed across the Nzeu riverbed, powered by solar pumps to ensure a consistent water supply. A 9-kilometer pipeline was installed, and a 6.5-kilometer pipeline, previously installed by the county government in 2018, was rehabilitated. This significant infrastructure development guaranteed a reliable water supply even during the driest periods, providing a lifeline during the wet seasons.

The implementation of three water kiosks in four villages was another watershed moment. These kiosks improved access to clean water for 4,980 people, a transformative change for Syomisi, Mesilia, and Ngunini villages in Kitui South. Furthermore, the Kisayani Health Centre, serving a catchment population of 4,487 and two local markets, was no longer constrained by water scarcity, ensuring that essential healthcare services could now be delivered with confidence.

These efforts fell in line with cmmb global Children and Mothers Partnerships (CHAMPS) theory of change, aiming to ensure that people have access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene practices. They were also a testament to CMMB's commitment to making a profound impact on water access, health, and overall well-being in Kitui South Sub-County.

The day of inauguration was graced by prominent figures, including Kitui County Deputy Governor, H.E. Augustine Kanani, CMMB's Senior Vice President of Programs and Volunteers, Dick Day, and CMMB Kenya's Country Director, Dr. James Kisia. Their presence underscored the significance of this momentous occasion and the commitment of all parties involved.

A highlight of the day was the handover of the Kisayani Maternity Facility, which had been non-operational due to water scarcity. Now, fully equipped, and ready to serve the community, it represented a beacon of hope and health for the region.

Local leaders and community members joined the celebration, and H.E. Augustine Kanani, the Deputy Governor of Kitui County, praised CMMB's efforts while emphasizing the importance of continued partnership. His invitation to expand the project's reach across Kitui County underscored the positive change that can be achieved together.

CMMB's Senior Vice President, Dick Day, expressed heartfelt praise for the project, acknowledging the enduring struggles of the communities and the transformation that the initiative promised. He reaffirmed CMMB's commitment to alleviating the challenges faced by community members and assured them that this project was a testament to that commitment.

The event was not just about speeches and ceremonies; it was about witnessing the impact firsthand. An entourage, accompanied by local leaders, visited the subsurface dam, commissioning the pumping station and inaugurating the fully equipped Kisayani Maternity Facility. These symbolic actions resonated with the community, signaling a new beginning.

The festivities continued at Enzou Market, where the main celebration unfolded. The vibrant and energetic event was a testament to the spirit and resilience of the people. The joy and hope in the air were palpable, and the local community members, in their own dialect, expressed their jubilation with a beautiful song that encapsulated their newfound access to clean water.

The Kisayani-Enzou Water Project has brought about a remarkable transformation in the lives of the residents of Enzou, Kisayani, and neighboring areas. Thanks to the unwavering commitment of CMMB Kenya and their exceptional partners, the project has provided these communities with a brighter, healthier, and more promising future. The dream of having daily access to clean water, once a distant hope, has now become a simple reality, as accessible as turning on a tap.

By Roy Mwangi. MPRSK