Grant Proposal: Kaumoni Water Project
Executive Summary
MANNA FARMS seeks KES 3,000,000 to implement the Kaumoni Water Project, a critical intervention to provide clean, safe drinking water for domestic and agricultural use in Kenya's water-scarce communities. Prolonged drought has left 1,000 households without reliable water access, threatening livelihoods, food security, and public health. This project will drill a sustainable borehole and install distribution infrastructure to deliver year-round water for household consumption, livestock, and crop irrigation. By addressing water scarcity at its source, we will empower communities to achieve food sovereignty, improve health outcomes, and build climate resilience.
Organization Background
MANNA FARMS is a Kenyan agricultural and community development organization dedicated to transforming rural livelihoods through sustainable farming, natural resource management, and community empowerment. Registered with Kenya's Business Registration Service (BRS) and holding a valid KRA PIN and Tax Compliance Certificate, MANNA FARMS has established a track record of implementing grassroots projects that strengthen food security and environmental stewardship. Our team combines technical expertise in agribusiness, hydrology, and community mobilization with deep local knowledge and trusted relationships in the target area.
Problem Statement
Years of erratic rainfall and prolonged drought in Kenya have precipitated a severe water crisis affecting rural and peri-urban communities. In the Kaumoni area, 1,000 households face acute water scarcity that undermines every dimension of daily life. Women and children walk up to five kilometers daily to fetch water from contaminated sources, exposing them to waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. Livestock deaths have increased by 40%, while crop yields have plummeted, exacerbating malnutrition and poverty. Schools operate without adequate water for sanitation, and health facilities struggle to maintain hygiene standards. Without immediate intervention, this crisis will deepen, displacing families and eroding community resilience.
Project Description
The Kaumoni Water Project will drill a high-yield borehole reaching a depth of approximately 80–120 meters to tap reliable underground aquifers. We will install a submersible solar-powered pump, elevated storage tanks (50,000 liters capacity), and a piped distribution network with strategically located water kiosks. The project includes water quality testing, community hygiene education, and establishment of a Water User Association for governance and maintenance. Construction will adhere to Water Resources Authority (WRA) guidelines and environmental safeguards. The system will supply clean water for drinking, cooking, sanitation, livestock, and small-scale irrigation, transforming livelihoods and health outcomes.
Objectives & Deliverables
Objectives:
- Drill and commission a sustainable borehole providing minimum 20m³/hour yield
- Install solar-powered pumping and distribution infrastructure serving 1,000 households
- Establish a Water User Association trained in operation, maintenance, and financial management
- Improve water access, reduce waterborne diseases by 60%, and increase agricultural productivity by 50%
Deliverables:
- One functional borehole with water quality certification
- 50,000-liter elevated storage tank and distribution network
- Six community water kiosks with metered connections
- 30 Water User Association members trained
- Quarterly monitoring reports and financial statements
Target Beneficiaries
The project will directly benefit 1,000 households (approximately 5,000 individuals) in the Kaumoni area. Primary beneficiaries include women and girls who bear the water collection burden, smallholder farmers seeking irrigation water, livestock keepers, school children, and health facility users. Secondary beneficiaries include local businesses, artisans, and the broader ecosystem that depends on sustainable water management.
Methodology
Phase 1 (Months 1–2): Hydrogeological survey, community mobilization, regulatory approvals from WRA, and contractor procurement via competitive bidding.
Phase 2 (Months 3–5): Borehole drilling, casing, pump installation, water quality testing, tank construction, and pipeline laying.
Phase 3 (Months 6–7): Water User Association formation, governance training, hygiene promotion campaigns, and system commissioning.
Phase 4 (Months 8–12): Post-installation monitoring, technical support, M&E data collection, and sustainability planning.
Budget Overview
| Budget Item | Amount (KES) |
|---|---|
| Hydrogeological survey & permits | 150,000 |
| Borehole drilling (80–120m) | 1,200,000 |
| Solar pump & installation | 450,000 |
| Elevated tank (50,000L) | 380,000 |
| Distribution pipes & kiosks | 420,000 |
| Water quality testing | 80,000 |
| Community training & mobilization | 150,000 |
| M&E and administration | 120,000 |
| Contingency (5%) | 50,000 |
| Total | 3,000,000 |
Monitoring & Evaluation
We will employ a participatory M&E framework with quarterly assessments tracking: water availability (liters/household/day), incidence of waterborne diseases (health facility records), school attendance (especially girls), livestock survival rates, and crop yields. Baseline and endline surveys will measure impact. The Water User Association will maintain daily pumping logs and financial records. Independent mid-term and final evaluations will validate outcomes and inform replication strategies.
Regulatory & Regional Context
This project operates within Kenya's robust water sector regulatory framework overseen by the Water Resources Authority (WRA) and governed by the Water Act 2016. Compliance includes obtaining a borehole drilling permit, water abstraction license, and environmental impact assessment approval from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). Financial transactions will utilize secure, transparent payment rails including PesaLink, M-Pesa, and KEPSS RTGS, ensuring auditability under Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) oversight. MANNA FARMS maintains full compliance with the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act and the Data Protection Act 2019, safeguarding beneficiary information. Procurement follows Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act standards, promoting transparency and value for money. As a registered entity with valid KRA PIN and Tax Compliance Certificate, we meet all statutory obligations for grant receipt and project implementation.
Sustainability Plan
Revenue from water kiosk sales (KES 2–5 per 20 liters) will fund operation, maintenance, and pump replacement reserves managed by the Water User Association. Solar power eliminates fuel costs, ensuring affordability. Community ownership through the Association ensures long-term stewardship, while training builds local technical capacity for repairs. Linkages with County Water Departments provide technical backstopping. Agricultural productivity gains will generate income for water payments, creating a virtuous cycle of sustainability.
Conclusion
The Kaumoni Water Project represents a transformative investment in human dignity, health, and economic opportunity. By securing reliable water access for 1,000 households, this initiative will break the cycle of poverty, hunger, and disease that grips water-scarce communities. MANNA FARMS brings proven implementation capacity, community trust, and unwavering commitment to delivering this life-changing intervention. We respectfully request KES 3,000,000 to turn the tide on water scarcity and unlock the full potential of the Kaumoni community.