More than 5,000 residents of Kavunyalalo village in Malindi subcounty, Kilifi, have a reason to smile after benefiting from a new solar-powered water project.
The initiative seeks to improve access to clean water for domestic use, farming, and food production.
The project includes a borehole fitted with solar-powered pumps and a network of pipes and fittings to distribute water directly to homes and farms in the village.
For years, residents of Kavunyalalo have struggled with water scarcity, relying on diesel-powered generators or long treks to distant water sources for irrigation and household needs.
Now, with the introduction of solar technology, the burden is finally being lifted.
“We used to spend a lot of money to purchase fuel for running the generator to pump water for irrigation. I later turned to gas, but it was still expensive,” said local farmer Mwarandu Kombe, one of the beneficiaries of the project.
The project is funded by Danco Plastics Limited in partnership with Amref Health Africa
It is expected to revolutionise small-scale farming in the area by providing a steady water supply, thereby boosting food security and household incomes.
Before the project, residents spent a significant portion of their income on buying water or fuel for irrigation pumps, with many abandoning farming altogether during the dry season.
Now, the solar-powered borehole offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution that supports both livelihoods and environmental conservation.
According to Patricia Ng’ang’a, an officer in charge of Amref’s community development programs, the project is part of a broader initiative aimed at building community resilience to climate change.
“This project, through the solar-powered wells, allows us to employ climate-smart agriculture and help communities adapt to the changing environment,” Ng’ang’a said.
Residents have hailed the initiative as a turning point for Kavunyalalo, saying it will reduce waterborne diseases, improve sanitation, and open opportunities for agribusiness.
The Kavunyalalo solar-powered water project marks a major step toward sustainable rural development in Kilifi county. By replacing fuel-powered generators with solar technology, the initiative reduces energy costs, promotes climate-smart agriculture, and enhances food security.
