The project targets two boreholes in Lelen and Cheparan villages, Kaplelwo Sub-location, Koibosoi Location, Emining Ward, Mogotio Sub-County, Baringo County. The villages have boreholes which serve other villages namely; Kasagatia, Kapkomorwo, Letoi, Kaplelwo primary and secondary schools, Lelen primary school as well as Kaplelwo and Maoi markets with a population of 600 households with an average of 6 members per family; this gives an approximate population of 3,600 people. This area is predominantly inhabited by the Endorois community which is a minority indigenous group in Kenya.
For this project, Farming Systems Kenya (NGO) is partnering partner with Maji Milele ltd which is a for-profit social enterprise whose mission is to revolutionize sustainability in the African water sector. This they do by offering several types of prepaid water metering solutions. The project aims to provide reliable water supply by replacing the diesel water pumping system with a solar powered system and installation of pre-paid meter system. This will reduce carbon emissions, cut operational costs, improve water supply and increase revenue hence better livelihoods for community. The project proposes installation of solar pump and panels at the two community boreholes, and installation of pre-paid meter at Lelen borehole as well as construction of raised steel water storage tanks, construction of livestock water troughs and water kiosks. This will ensure efficient water supply, transparency and accountability and reliable water supply. This switch from diesel operation to solar supply will reduce carbon emissions to the atmosphere, ensure democracy at the water supply based on the fact that any community member will be able to fetch water at their convenient time without needing a water supply attendant. This will also save cost of the borehole operation.
The project will also seek to improve the knowledge and capacity of Lelen and Cheparan Community water management committees on sustainable use of water and water-related resources.
Maji Milele ltd will provide the pre-paid meter technology and related training support during and after the project period while FSK will take lead in implementation of the project. The project will also encourage the communities to undertake Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) of trees and vegetation in the area to increase trees and vegetation cover which will help in carbon sequestration and also help in regenerating degraded land in the boreholes catchment area.