Fiqo Village, located about 12 kilometers from Mandera town in Mandera County, Kenya, has long struggled with limited access to clean and safe water. The 2024 El Niño floods among the most devastating in recent years completely destroyed the village’s only shallow well, cutting off the primary water source for hundreds of households. According to the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC), the floods displaced over 278,000 people (55,676 families) across the country, leaving Fiqo among the hardest hit.
With the shallow well destroyed, women and girls were forced to walk over 3 kilometers to and from neighbouring Bulla Haji Village in search of water. This daily journey not only exposed them to physical exhaustion but also increased their vulnerability to gender-based violence and other protection risks.
In response, Nomadic Assistance for Peace and Development (NAPAD), in partnership with Oxfam and latter-day Saint Charities Australia, launched a Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) intervention. The project aimed to provide long-term, sustainable solutions to the water and sanitation crisis facing flood-affected populations like those in Fiqo.
Clean water is close to home
Through the construction of a 60,000-liter elevated water storage tank, and a water kiosk with eight taps that run simultaneously, and the installation of a 1.5-kilometer water pipeline, clean, safe, and affordable, water is now accessible to over 350 households in Fiqo Village. The community members no longer have to walk long distances for this basic need. The intervention also extended to neighbouring Darika Village, where NAPAD rehabilitated a damaged shallow well and installed a 2.5-kilometer piping system. As a result, an additional 542 households now have access to clean water.
“I can’t describe my happiness knowing I can finally rest, as I have clean water close to my home,” shared Mama Halima, a resident of Fiqo, her voice filled with emotion.
Building for the Future
To further promote hygiene and prevent waterborne diseases, twin latrines were constructed at Fiqo Primary School and the Fiqo Madarasa Islamic Centre. These facilities not only enhance sanitation but also contribute to a healthier learning environment for both students and religious learners.
A key innovation in this project was the use of a drilling rig to excavate the shallow wells, departing from traditional hand-dug methods. This technology enabled drilling to depths of 17 to 20 meters, reaching deeper and more reliable water aquifers. Strategic siting based on hydrogeological surveys ensured the sustainability and longevity of the water sources.
This project has done more than provide water; it has restored dignity, security, and peace of mind to communities in Fiqo and Darika villages, especially the women and girls. The community continues to express deep appreciation to NAPAD and Oxfam for their timely, effective, and people-centered response.