“That Is My Work”: How a Community Water Kiosk Is Transforming Lives in Narok

Every morning, as the mist hangs over the plains of Narok County, Risper reaches for her keys and heads to the community water kiosk. With a practiced hand, she switches on the solar-powered control box at the borehole point. Moments later, the low hum of the pump signals the start of another day of providing safe water to her community. 

For many families in Narok, access to water has long been a daily struggle. With only 33% of the county’s population having access to safe water, many residents have historically relied on distant and often unsafe water sources. During dry seasons, children can walk 5-8 kilometres in search of water, often collecting it from ponds and scoop holes from seasonal rivers shared with livestock and wildlife. The consequences are far-reaching, contributing to illness, missed school days and lost economic opportunities. 

Through the 100% WASH Project, implemented by Amref Health Africa with support from the well:fair foundation, that reality is beginning to change. Since 2021, the project has expanded access to safe water for more than 150,000 people and 19,000 students across Narok County. It has also supported 52 schools through spring protection, solarised boreholes, behavior change communication and the construction of modern, gender-appropriate sanitation facilities for boys, girls and teachers. 

At the heart of this transformation are community members like Risper. 

“I remember the days we spent half our lives walking,” she says while checking the signals on the control panel. “Now, I am the one who brings the water to the entire community.” 

Risper manages four community water points as well as a connection serving the local health facility. Her responsibilities extend far beyond opening and closing the kiosk. She monitors functionality, coordinates maintenance, safeguards infrastructure against vandalism and helps ensure that families can access safe, reliable water every day. 

She has also become a trusted advocate for safe hygiene practices. 

Between collecting the small community-agreed tariffs used to maintain the water system, Risper spends time educating residents about safe water handling and storage. Women and children arriving with jerrycans often receive practical lessons alongside their water collection. 

“If the jerrycan is dirty, the water won’t stay safe,” she explains. 

For Risper, access to clean water is only part of the solution. Ensuring that water remains safe once it reaches households is equally important. Through regular interactions with community members, she reinforces behaviours that help protect families from preventable waterborne diseases and improve overall public health. 

Her role has also made her a champion of community accountability. 

Every contribution collected from water users is carefully recorded and managed. These funds help maintain the infrastructure through minor repairs and purchasing chlorination tablets, reducing dependence on external support and strengthening community ownership of the water points. 

Risper understands that sustainability depends not only on infrastructure but also on trust. 

She recalls identifying some of the most vulnerable members of her community, particularly elderly residents who could not fetch water themselves and often lacked money to pay for it. 

“Sustainability is important,” she says, “but humanity comes first. The community agreed that our elders deserve water for free. We cover them together.” 

The arrangement reflects the collective spirit that underpins the water system. Community members contribute to maintaining the service while ensuring that no one is left behind. 

For Risper personally, the opportunity has brought more than improved water access. 

The leadership role has given her a source of income, confidence and purpose. Using earnings from the kiosk, she has opened a small shop selling everyday household essentials such as flour, soap and sugar to residents visiting the water point. 

“I feel like a business lady now,” she says with a smile. “I have my tools for minor repairs, I know exactly which plumber to call for the big repairs, and I have a sense of purpose I never had before.” 

Her story illustrates how investments in water, sanitation and hygiene can create ripple effects far beyond the immediate provision of clean water. Reliable water access improves health outcomes, supports education, strengthens community resilience and creates opportunities for local leadership and economic empowerment. 

Standing beside the water points she helps manage, Risper looks at what has been built and sustained through collective effort. 

“Look at how clean these water points are,” she says proudly. “That is me. That is my work.” 

For thousands of families across Narok County, it is work that is helping bring safe water closer to home, one community at a time.