In a momentous event held on 2nd May 2024, the Kiwanja Ndege community in Oloitoktok witnessed the commissioning and handing over ceremony of the Airstrip A community borehole, marking a significant milestone in their journey towards sustainable water access.
Located in the arid Kuku ward of Oloitoktok, Kajiado South Sub-County, the borehole was drilled in 2014 as a Constituency Development Funds (CDF) project. This borehole serves as a lifeline for over 150 households, particularly for women who previously endured long treks of up to 8 kilometres to distant water sources. Additionally, it also caters to the water needs of over 600 pupils at the neighboring Chief Muturi Primary School.
Initially, the borehole’s water pumping system depended on an electric generator, which presented accessibility and reliability challenges. These issues arose during power outages or when tokens were depleted, resulting in households spending up to Kes. 50,000 monthly to supply water to the residents.
Inspired by the success of the neighboring Bondeni community’s solarized borehole, Airstrip A officials embarked on a transformative project to solarize their borehole. This decision sparked the beginning of a remarkable endeavor that would bring relief to the households of Kiwanja Ndege.
The significance of the project was emphasized during the ceremony, attended by esteemed guests including the Member of County Assembly (MCA) Hon. Leguandai, GIZ officials, SolarGen Director- Mr. Badir and SolarGen engineers, and Africa Instore Solutions (AIS) officials.
In his speech, the GIZ EnDev Regional Manager expressed delight in the success of solarization, which aligns with GIZ’s commitment to sustainable development and renewable energy solutions. “This project embodies our vision of empowering communities through renewable energy solutions, ensuring access to clean water while promoting environmental sustainability,” remarked Samwel Naimasia.
The Chairman of Airstrip A Community shared his excitement for the project’s impact and outlined plans for community development. “With the solarization of our borehole, we are not only ensuring reliable water access for over 150 households but also empowering our community to thrive. This project signifies progress, determination, resilience, and the power of a community united,” he remarked.
He further elaborated on the community’s financial commitment and the support received from external partners, stating, “The successful solarization of this borehole is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives coupled with external support. With a total project cost of Ksh.1.9 million, the community showcased its commitment by initially depositing Ksh.400,000 towards the endeavor.
Building on this foundation, SOLARGEN, in partnership with GIZ Kenya EnDev, extended a Result-Based Financing (RBF) facility worth Ksh.500,000 to support the community’s efforts. With a combined deposit of Ksh 900,000, the community embarked on a journey towards ownership of the solar-powered water system.
“How do we plan to pay the rest you may ask. Well, here is how, through a structured payment plan spanning six months, each member pledged a contribution of Ksh 2,000, ensuring that the remaining Ksh 1 million would be paid off collectively. We thank Solargen, GIZ, and AIS for the collaborative financing model.” The chairman explained.
In a moving speech, MCA Leguandai reiterated the County Government of Kajiado’s dedication to water accessibility for all residents, announcing plans for further borehole drilling and solarization initiatives. “The solarization of Airstrip A borehole represents a monumental step towards achieving our goal of water security in Kajiado. We are committed to ensuring that every household in Kajiado South has access to clean water and investing in sustainable solutions that uplift our communities,” stated Hon. Leguandai.
Director of Africa Instore Solutions (AIS), Jennifer, expressed pride in the project’s success, highlighting AIS’s commitment to community empowerment through innovative solutions. “The solarization of Airstrip A borehole is a testament to the power of collaborative efforts in addressing water scarcity. We are proud to support initiatives that transform lives and foster sustainable development,” stated Jennifer.
The solarization of the Airstrip A borehole not only ensures reliable water access for Kiwanja Ndege residents but also sets a precedent for sustainable development in arid regions. As the community looks towards a brighter future, the Airstrip A project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and community-driven initiatives in addressing water scarcity and improving livelihoods.