Displaced by the catastrophic floods of 2019, the residents of Gafarsa’s Kambi ya Moto Village faced the devastating loss of their homes, livelihoods, and sense of stability. Situated in a lowland area, Kambi ya Moto bore the brunt of the disaster, prompting the community to relocate to Bulampya Village, which is positioned on higher ground. In their new settlement, the residents embarked on an extraordinary journey of rebuilding—restoring what was lost and establishing a resilient and thriving community. Their efforts focused on creating sustainable systems designed to endure future challenges, transforming adversity into an opportunity for long-term development.
In Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL), where Bulampya lies, only 24% of the population has access to safely managed drinking water, and a mere 14% have access to basic sanitation facilities. Nearly 40% of households in ASAL regions still practice open defecation, leading to frequent outbreaks of waterborne diseases like cholera and diarrhoea. In Bulampya, these grim statistics were a daily reality until the Bulampya Multi-Sector Innovation Platform (MSIP) stepped in.
The MSIP draws strength from its diversity, bringing representatives from rangeland management, climate change, clinical officers, community health promoters, teachers, veterinary officers, and community disease reporters. Each sector brings expertise, ensuring that no challenge is tackled in isolation. This collaboration forms the bedrock of Bulampya’s transformation, weaving innovative solutions that address the interconnected needs of the pastoral community.
During an interview held during one of the regular MSIP monthly meetings, the men, seated in orderly rows on their mats, exchange knowing glances of agreement while the women, dressed in vibrant deras, lean into animated discussions within their cluster. The chairman of the platform, Chief Galgalo Fayo, speaks, his voice filled with pride, saying, “Bulampya became an Open Defecation Free Zone in 2023—a milestone that reflects our unity and commitment”. These words echo a journey of resilience and renewal, rooted in the guiding principle of the Isiolo County One Health Strategy, which declares: “The health of people, animals, and the environment is interconnected.”
“The El Niño taught the community hard lessons,” recalls Hasna Mohammed, a climate change representative with the MSIP. “Death from diarrhoea is very embarrassing. We encourage communal sharing of households without toilets and even hold fundraisers to provide construction materials for such facilities.”
The MSIP mobilised the community to introduce a whistleblowing mechanism to discourage open defecation. Over time, this shift in behaviour, paired with targeted support, culminated in Bulampya being declared Open Defecation-Free in 2023.
“Before the floods, men travelled far searching for pasture, leaving families fragmented. Through the MSIP’s rangeland and grazing strategies, men stay close to home, strengthening family bonds. In Bulampya, this closeness has become a cornerstone of our resilience,” explains Chief Galgalo.
Zoonotic diseases like Rift Valley Fever and foot-and-mouth disease once plagued Bulampya, threatening the livelihoods and health of its pastoralist community. Guided by Isiolo County’s One Health Strategy, Bulampya’s MSIP introduced practical interventions such as boiling milk, wearing gloves during livestock births, and ensuring timely vaccinations. These measures have drastically reduced disease outbreaks, safeguarding human and animal health.
Reflecting on the transformation, Halima Abdi, a Community Disease Promoter, shared, “Before the AMR sensitisation, we used medicines blindly—under-dosing and overdosing, sharing drugs, using human medicine on livestock, and even buying fake medicines that worsened our challenges. Our animals were often sick, and our families faced health risks, too. Through Amref’s One Health Project, we have learned to use medicines responsibly and to understand the vital link between human, animal, and environmental health. Today, our livestock are healthier, our children are safer from diseases, and our community is stronger. We now follow veterinary advice, respect withdrawal periods, and no longer misuse drug containers. Proper waste disposal has become a priority, creating a safer environment for all. This knowledge has brought us solutions and hope for a brighter future.”
“Maternal health has also been revolutionised for women. Traditional birth attendants, once the only option for deliveries, have been retrained and integrated into the formal health system. Establishing a One Health Clinic has provided access to antenatal care and skilled delivery services, turning childbirth into a safer, more hopeful experience,” Halima added.
With a new settlement came a new way of life. The MSIP introduced kitchen gardens, teaching families to grow vegetables like spinach and kale and to preserve them for the dry season. Teachers and health promoters continue to work tirelessly to educate families on the nutritional benefits of these gardens, transforming their diets and resilience.
Climate change remains a formidable challenge, but Bulampya has turned its unpredictability into a lesson in preparedness. “The One Health Project also supported installing a manual weather station and creating a WhatsApp meteorological group. These tools provide real-time updates, helping families plan for floods and droughts. During scarcity, the MSIP promotes the sale of livestock to build savings—a once-taboo practice that has become a lifeline for many families,” Hasna explains.
Unsung heroes support Bulampya’s success. Teachers lead health awareness campaigns, educating families on hygiene and disease prevention. Community disease reporters collaborate with veterinary officers to monitor and contain outbreaks, ensuring timely interventions. These efforts have created a vigilant, empowered community. The MSIP has catalysed transformation by ensuring every voice in the community has a seat at the table.
For her part, Project Co-ordinator Hellen Larabi expressed her excitement about the progress of the One Health Project, saying, “The battle against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a collective responsibility that requires united efforts from individuals, communities, healthcare professionals, and policymakers alike. By fostering awareness and understanding of the grave consequences of AMR, the project aims to inspire positive change in behaviour, prescribing practices, and agricultural approaches.”
“Communities must be encouraged to commit to the judicious use of antibiotics and maintain responsible farming practices. Such initiatives will go a long way toward safeguarding the effectiveness of antimicrobials, protecting public health, and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.” She added.
By Edna Mosiara -Communications Officer
Photos – Anthony Muninzwa – Creative Officer