Sharing the Water: Accounting for Animals in Mt. Paka, Kenya
July 2, 2015
Last year, Water Missions International implemented safe water for roughly 4,200 people living in the northwest region of Kenya. The Mt. Paka project took two years to complete, and in August the people rejoiced as safe water finally flowed into their lives.
Over the next few months, the Water Missions Kenya staff noticed a trend developing. The water meter readings showed that livestock were consuming 80 percent of the water used. For every 17,000 liters produced, livestock were using roughly 15,000. This caused a major issue, as a large majority of the water consumed wasn't being accounted for financially.
The Water Missions Kenya staff developed rules regarding the water cost for animals. Each person with livestock was accounted for and divided into two groups. Those with small herds are now required to pay roughly $6/month while large herds cost $18/month. In the first month the Safe Water Committee collected $200 for animals alone.
This practice of incorporating animals into the fee structure is uncommon in East Africa. In fact, it is an incredible milestone as safe water is impacting yet another important aspect of peoples' lives. Not only do people have access to safe water, but now their livelihood benefits from it as well. The standard of living is counting to rise as the benefits of safe water spread throughout this community.
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