By R, KNA
A transformative water project in Chepkawai Sub-Location, Cherangany Chebororwo Ward, is reshaping the daily lives of hundreds of families and boosting livestock productivity across the region.
The newly established Kapseret Community Borehole, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) under the Kenya Livestock Commercialisation Project (KeLCoP) in partnership with the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet, has become a lifeline for both residents and their animals.
For decades, communities in Kapseret, Kapkagaron, Kamanin villages and Duka Moja Centre relied on distant and unreliable water sources. Women and children often spent hours trekking in search of water, while livestock endured long, dry spells during drought seasons.
This borehole, now serving 400 households and supporting nearly 9,000 animals, has begun reversing years of hardship.
The borehole delivers an impressive 5,000 litres per hour, ensuring a stable water supply throughout the year. Its efficiency means that even during extended dry spells, when local rivers shrink and seasonal streams disappear, families can still count on clean and accessible water.
For residents, this reliability is nothing short of life-changing. Elizabeth Cheptiony, a resident of Kapseret Village, recalled the struggle of walking long distances to fetch water before the project was completed.
“Before this project, I used to trek some kilometres away to source this commodity,” she said. “But now this has really changed my daily routine as I can do other chores because water is just at my doorstep.”
Elizabeth’s experience mirrors that of many others whose days were once shaped by the exhausting task of water collection. Today, households can allocate more time to farming, educational activities, and small businesses, positive ripple effects that are already being felt across the community.
To ensure the project’s long-term functionality, a local water committee has been established. The committee manages daily operations, routine maintenance, and fee collection. Users pay Sh2.50 per 20 litres for domestic consumption and Sh100 per household per month for livestock usage.
Committee Chair Martin Cheruiyot stated that the structure was established to enhance accountability and ensure the borehole remains operational for future generations.
“Our goal is to make sure this project serves not just the current population but also the children who will inherit this community,” he noted during a community briefing.
He is supported by committed stakeholders, including Clara Kisang and Patroba Kimaiyo, both graduation champions working with smart households under the KeLCoP initiative.
Their role includes training families on livestock management, water conservation, and other livelihood-improving practices. The team operates under the guidance of Ward Project Coordinator Bernard Lelgo, who ensures the project aligns with broader county development goals.
The leadership of Governor Wisley Rotich has been instrumental in strengthening water access across Elgeyo Marakwet. With only 37% of residents currently accessing clean and safe water, the county has prioritized strategic investments to close the gap.
Governor Rotich has repeatedly emphasised that water is not just a basic need, it is a critical pillar for economic growth, health improvement, and climate resilience. Projects like the Kapseret borehole are expected to help the county achieve 52% water access by 2027, a key target in the county’s long-term development plan.
“This is not just about providing water; it is about restoring dignity and empowering communities to thrive,” a county water official remarked during the handover ceremony.
The Kapseret borehole is one of several projects under the Kenya Livestock Commercialisation Project, which spans 10 counties across Kenya. The initiative integrates water supply, livestock development, and agricultural support to improve rural livelihoods and enhance climate resilience.
Through KeLCoP, farmers in the region are receiving training on livestock husbandry, pasture management, value addition and financial literacy, complementing the benefits brought by the borehole.
For smart households supported under the project, access to reliable water means healthier animals, better milk production, and increased income.
Since becoming operational, the borehole has quickly become the heartbeat of Kapseret. Women who once spent half their day fetching water now have time to engage in productive activities.
Children attend school more regularly instead of accompanying parents to distant water points. Livestock, a key economic mainstay of the area, are healthier, resulting in reduced losses during dry periods.
Families also report improved hygiene and sanitation because clean water is readily available. Residents say they can now wash frequently, cook safely, and maintain cleaner home environments.
The social fabric of the community has grown stronger, too. With the water point serving as a common hub, neighbours interact more, share resources, and collaborate on maintenance responsibilities.
As the community embraces the benefits of this essential resource, leaders and residents alike hope the project will continue to bring prosperity for years to come.
With continued oversight from the water committee and support from KeLCoP and the county government, the borehole is expected to remain a sustainable source of clean water.
For Chepkawai Sub-Location and the surrounding villages, the Kapseret borehole is more than an infrastructure project it is a symbol of progress, resilience, and renewed hope for a better future.