Kenya
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Are you a Princeton student interested in joining the team? Come to our meetings on Sundays in Briger C300 at 1:30 pm and get involved! We’ll teach you everything you need to know— and you don’t need to be an engineer. Contact caden.hemond@princeton.edu and elisetaylor@princeton.edu with any questions.
Our Project
The Kenya Team’s project began in 2013 after Princeton Swahili Professor Mahiri Mwita approached the Princeton student chapter about launching a program in his hometown in the Kuria district of Nyanza Province, Southwest Kenya. At the time, many families and students in the area had limited access to potable water and often relied on shared sources used by both people and livestock, contributing to unsanitary conditions and frequent typhoid outbreaks. Since then, the team has worked alongside local schools, organizations, and community members to improve access to clean drinking water through sustainable and community-centered engineering projects.
Current Progress
Over the years, the team has implemented rain catchment systems in primary schools and community spaces, as well as solar-powered boreholes in both Kiburanga and Kubweye primary schools. Most recently, the team has been focused on constructing a large-scale water distribution system in Nyabohanse to serve both the surrounding community and Rev. David Duveskog Primary School, benefiting over 1,200 students and 500 households.
As of now, the pipeline system has been installed and the 150m³ water tank is standing and filled with water, bringing the project close to becoming fully operational. In partnership with MIWASCO, the Lake Region Development Program, and Rev. David Duveskog Primary School, the team continues to support sustainable water access and promote safe water practices through education and community collaboration.
Where We’re Headed
This summer, the team plans to return to the Kuria district to monitor and evaluate the newly completed water distribution system and ensure that it is operating effectively for the surrounding community. The trip will allow the team to assess the long-term functionality and sustainability of the infrastructure while continuing to strengthen partnerships with local organizations and community members.
Looking ahead, the Kenya Team hopes to build on the success of the Nyabohanse project by identifying additional opportunities to improve water access and community resources throughout the region.
Our Blog Posts
Read about our personal experiences working in country, getting a taste of local food, reflecting on our volunteering experience, and more.
Featured Video
Check out what we did during our assessment trip to the Kuria district in the Summer of 2023!