Host: For the Samburu people of northern Kenya, livestock are more
than just animals, they are a source of livelihood, measure of
wealth and social standing, and intrinsic to their culture.

However, access to safe water for both humans and animals is
threatened by frequent drought.

Japron Lenguris: The other time when we are having a very big drought, when we
transport the animals to that place, we are not going to get a place
to stay without that conflict.

Host: Population pressure prevents them from moving to greener
pastures; the land can no longer cope, and the erratic rains are a
key challenge, as community organiser Joseph Lepariyo, himself a
Samburu, explains.

Joseph Lepariyo: This is a pastoral community and one problem that they have faced
for a very long time is the drought.

Host: Local community partners along with the Kenyan Government are
working in partnership with UNICEF and the European Union to
provide sustainable access to safe water and sanitation.

Here at Lolpulelei village, management of the borehole was
handed to a local woman, Mary Kaoni, after male elders in charge,
misused the funds meant to maintain the pump. The community
did this in defiance of the Samburu traditions.

Everyone here now has access to clean safe water at a fair price
thanks to Marry. Mary recalls that women faced even greater
challenges in the past.

Mary Kaoni: If the water is far, it’s the mother who can put the jerrycan, 20
liters from five kilometers. Even the others can go for 10
kilometers with that jerrycan. Sometimes some can abort; some
others can have backache injuries. So, I have seen the health of the
mothers within that water pump, have improved.

Host: These efforts to protect water supplies and preserve the
environment have reached 70% of the 200,000 Samburu living in
the area. The hope is that with more support, everyone can benefit.