The residents of Kapkarin village in Kapsowar ward struggled with a persistent water crisis despite the allocation of funds to the Kapkarin Water Project for two consecutive financial years. Hopes of accessing clean and reliable piped water were repeatedly dashed as the local administration and project contractor colluded to stall the project, denying the community their rightful access to this essential resource.
For years, the Kapkarin Water Project remained a symbol of broken promises and lost hope. Despite millions of shillings being allocated to the initiative, the water tank stood empty and abandoned, failing to serve its intended purpose. As a result, community members were forced to trek long distances in search of water for both domestic use and their livestock. The dire situation led to devastating consequences—many animals perished due to prolonged water shortages, and children frequently missed school as they joined their families in the daily struggle to fetch water. Women and young girls bore the heaviest burden, suffering from persistent back problems caused by carrying heavy containers over vast distances. The lack of access to clean and reliable water not only threatened livelihoods but also deepened social and economic hardships within the community
Abandonded and empty tank
Determined to bring about change, the community—supported by the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) in partnership with DanChurchAid (DCA)—embarked on a journey of relentless advocacy, community mobilization, and strategic stakeholder engagement. In 2023, they conducted a social audit of the project, critically examining its progress and identifying key gaps. This effort culminated in an accountability forum that brought together community champions, the local ward administrator, and members of the project management committee. The forum resulted in a collective resolution to compel the contractor to complete the project and ensure that the community could finally access clean water.
In 2024, with continued support from the project, community members followed up on the implementation of the social audit recommendations. Their efforts revealed significant progress— the project had been revived and was nearing completion, with only the installation of air valves remaining. This milestone marked a major step forward in the community’s fight for water access and underscored the power of collective action in holding duty-bearers accountable.
With further advocacy efforts by community members, the air valves were enventually installed and the Kapkarin community members now enjoy piped water!
The community members lining up for water from a communal water point
Through resilience and collective action, the residents of Kapkarin have turned their struggles into a success story. The revival of the water project stand as a testament to the power of accountability and community-driven advocacy. As one community champion proudly stated, “Water is life, and through unity and persistence, we have reclaimed our right to it. This achievement proves that when a community stands together, no challenge is insurmountable.”
