In May 2025, Acted Kenya and Synergie Renouvelable paid a visit to Churo Village in Baringo County, Kenya, to assess the impact of a water access project implemented by Acted in 2018. The project included solarisation of the main borehole, improvement of water storage systems, extension of the existing water distribution networks, and training and capacity building of community members for efficiency in operation of maintenance and stability. The water access project reached 4,761 people, improving daily life for 649 health facility users, 812 schoolchildren and over 3,000 residents in nearby communities.
Churo district is located in Tiaty East sub-county, Baringo County, Kenya. The region experiences recurrent droughts leading to challenges in accessing clean water and sanitation, as well as high poverty levels, food insecurity, and poor socio-economic infrastructure. Home to about six thousand inhabitants, the community faced severe water shortages, relying on a single borehole that had fallen into disrepair due to poor management and insufficient maintenance funding. Without access to safe water, the community depended on unprotected sources (mainly a polluted spring and open wells), leading to poor hygiene and frequent outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
In 2018, Acted Kenya received generous support from Synergie Renouvelable to support Churo and neighbouring communities to gain sustainable access to clean water. Over the course of the project, 21 solar panels were installed to power a hybrid system combining solar energy with a 15 kVA generator and a switching device, ensuring reliable and energy-efficient water supply. To enhance water storage and distribution, a 50 m3 masonry reservoir was rehabilitated, providing 30,000 litres storage capacity. On top of this, 2.2 kilometres of existing pipelines were repaired and 800 metres of new pipelines constructed, to expand the reach of the water network to a greater number of households, 2 health facilities, and 3 schools. Access points were also improved with the construction of a water kiosk and a community water point to ensure that clean water is readily available to residents.
To ensure sustainability, a 10 -member Water Management Committee (WMC), comprising 4 women and 6 men was formed and trained in system operation, maintenance and financial management. The WMC has undergone a successful leadership transition since the original team trained in 2018 completed its term. The current committee, composed of 13 members (5 men and 8 women), is operating effectively, with continuity ensured by retaining the trained borehole operators. The WMC also established a transparent tariff system, to collect funds to cover minor repairs. By equipping community members with the skills to lead and oversee the water infrastructure, the project not only gains community ownership, but also drives lasting improvements in health, education, and overall quality of life for the beneficiary communities.
During Acted and Synergie’s joint visit, residents of Churo provided valuable insights on the impact of the project six and a half years later. This information was collected through structured focus group discussions, one-on-one interviews, and meetings with local representatives, WMC members, community health promoters, and school and health facility officials. The borehole allowed access to clean water and has significantly improved health and hygiene, with a marked reduction in waterborne diseases. School attendance has increased, as children are no longer burdened with long journeys to fetch water. The availability of water has also enabled home gardening, enhancing household nutrition with fresh vegetables and fruit trees. Women now feel safer, no longer needing to travel to distant or unsafe areas in search of water. The borehole has revitalized the village; residents proudly affirm that “Churo became Churo.” A growing number of households have embraced kitchen gardening and tree planting, further strengthening food security and environmental resilience.
Our students attend school regularly now, and there are no excuses for not attending school.
There are reduced cases of diarrhoea and typhoid compared to when the residents mainly consumed the spring water.
The impact visit highlighted the importance of small actions for great change, the importance of early and continuous community involvement, and the strength of a multi-sectoral approach, where integrating water access with livelihood initiatives significantly enhanced food security. However, the success of the project has also brought new challenges. A rising population and increased demand from schools is placing pressure on the water system. Aging pipe extensions have begun to deteriorate, disrupting water distribution in some areas. Additionally, the Water Management Committee (WMC) is facing leadership gaps, as original members have left without adequately trained replacements. Addressing these issues will be essential to sustaining the gains made and ensuring continued access to safe water for all.
Six and a half years since its inception, the Churo water project continues to demonstrate its lasting impact on the community, proving that modest interventions can catalyze long-term development. However, several critical gaps are arising, presenting opportunities for future action. Acted, in collaboration with the local community, is committed to seeking additional resources to address these needs. Acted Kenya is deeply grateful to Synergie Renouvelable for their generous support and unwavering commitment to creating sustainable, community-driven impact in Churo.