Access to safe water remains a daily challenge in many of the communities in Kenya. Communities in arid and semi-arid areas often depend on seasonal water sources that dry up during prolonged drought. Long distances to water points affect school attendance, family income and health.
Islamic Relief Kenya works with communities to improve access to safe, reliable and clean water, strengthen sanitation systems and promote safe hygiene practices to reduce health risks and protect livelihoods.
We strengthen water systems through the development and rehabilitation of water infrastructure to increase access and reliability.
Our work includes:
These interventions reduce the distance and time families spend collecting water and increase availability during dry seasons.
When communities manage their own water services effectively, breakdowns are addressed faster and systems remain operational for longer. We work with communities to ensure water systems remain functional. This includes:
We implement comprehensive hygiene and sanitation promotion initiatives, including behaviour-change activities at family and community level. These efforts focus on hygiene awareness sessions, promotion of handwashing practices and construction of safe sanitation facilities. We support:
Improved sanitation reduces disease transmission and supports safer learning environments for children.
In many families, women and girls are responsible for water collection. Long distances and unreliable sources consume time that could otherwise be used for schooling or income-generating activities.
Improved water access reduces travel time, increases safety, and eases daily pressures on families.
Expanded and rehabilitated water systems increase reliability during dry seasons. Improved sanitation and hygiene practices reduce waterborne diseases. Strengthened management committees improve long-term functionality.
