Endemic fluorosis predominantly caused by excessive intake of high-fluoride groundwater is a public health problem in several parts of Rift Valley and Nairobi Kenya. The fluoride level from ground water sources in these parts of Kenya is estimated to be 14 times more than the WHO-recommended level. This problem has been heightened by the high cost of bottled water which is both unaffordable and inaccessible to most people in Kenya. Bottled water in many parts of Africa is considered a luxury. Excess fluoride in your body causes discoloration of teeth and deformation of bones.
The Kenya Innovative Finance Facility for Water – KIFFWA, has financed a water purification and distribution project for urban and peri-urban communities in Nakuru, Naivasha, Kajiado, Nairobi, Machakos and Kiambu. The project concept involves the use of commercial borehole to purify water, using advanced reverse osmosis technology, then distribute the water using bowsers to water kiosks where it is sold at an affordable price. The company currently has over 147 retail outlets and has plans to open 200 additional outlets over the next 3 years.
Last week, our partners, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands in Kenya visited one of our drinking water projects based in Naivasha. The delegation from the embassy was led by the Deputy Ambassador, Joris van Bommel, the First Secretary Food Security and Water, Pim van der Male among other senior embassy officials. They were accompanied by the General Manager KIFFWA, Erik Labee and the Investment Officer, Clement Wandera.
The Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands which has partnered with KIFFWA and OPES- LCEF impact Fund from Italy to fund this project lauded the impact the project has on the communities to achieve SDGs 1, 3, 6 and 8. Through this drinking water project: –
- There has been reduced incidences of fluorosis that affect children’s bones and teeth
- It has helped in eradication of water-related illnesses such as, cholera, typhoid and Hepatitis A
- Ensured that an additional 119,000 households have access to affordable and clean drinking water
- Reduced the cost of purchased water by about 70% thus freeing up resources for other essential expenses
KIFFWA appreciates the support extended by the Embassy of Netherlands in Kenya to ensure that this project has seen the light of day and impact communities in a positive way. We continue to seek partnership with other organizations to put a beautiful smile on communities through access of clean and safe water for domestic purposes.
For more information, kindly contact [email protected]
