
This move resulted in the speedy construction of the borehole in the village to ease water problems. The construction of the borehole started late October 2017 and was completed, a month later. The delegation and resultant construction of the borehole were triggered by the provision of civic knowledge to members of Okook Young Farmer’s group on role of citizens’ participation in monitoring the implementation of projects, and demanding accountability, rights of citizens to access water service as articulated in article 43 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.
Peter Otwani, 28, a resident of Okook sub location in Amukura West Ward, took part in civic education training sessions in October 2017 for four weeks provided by Community Empowerment and Development Centre (CEDC) civic educator in Amukura West Ward. The borehole is only 300 metres from Otwani’s home.
I attended four sessions of civic education with Okook Young Farmers’ Group and what touched me was the right to access to clean and safe water as stated in Article 43 (d) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010. It made me understand the need to demand for my rights and the entire community. We have been suffering inaccessibility to clean water in this area. For example, a middle-aged woman was bitten by a snake, while fetching water from a river. This incident made me choose to be part of the delegation to the office of the ward administrator to demand for our right.”
– Peter Otwani
Nancy Amukaga, 36, a resident of Okook village, says her livelihood has improved due to availability of water. Amukaga’s home is merely 200 metres from the borehole.
Since the completion of this borehole, I have been able to have a thriving kitchen garden, which is providing me with vegetables for both domestic and commercial purposes. This was not as before when I used to walk long distances in search of water. I am particularly grateful to the ward administrator for fast tracking the installation of a water pump, as this has improved my family’s livelihood.”
– Amukaga, a mother of four.
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