From here

It is obvious to all that these people are in dire need of help.

Going forward we have to design a water system, get it funded, and implement the design. it will be a long road.

1 good source

This was the only source on Kolunje that there was no visible turbidity. It was drilled by KWAHO (kenya water and health orginization). Its 53 meters deep and maintained by a woman's group that charges 2 shillings for a 20 liter jug filling.

There ware only 5 other hand pumps in Kolunje. 4 also had high turbidity. The 5th was contaminated with diesel (and we assume more) from a latrine only 10 meters away.

Typical water source

This was the typical water source. We called it a "spring" but only occasionally they ran. Most often they were just small ponds that didn't dry up. High turbidity and bio growth were prevalent. Most people claim that they drink the water without treatment. (OMG)

prospecting for water

they put a lot of effort into finding new water sources. sometimes its harder than others. This is a well digging in progress. Its 40 ft deep so far.

At every village we met with a local guide to show us around to all the sights. Some stayed with us most of the time.

Treking the whole site

As of now, our best guess on the size of Kolunje is about 30 square kilometers.

We visited every water source, planned distribution site, and places of interest.

Community Meeting

There was a huge turnout to greet us at the community. The water committee was comprised of 3 members from each of the 7 villages in Kolunje. Alex Ogola was the committee chairman. In addition to them were also individuals and representatives of other groups, including the market managers, and women's groups. Also were the elected political reps, and 2 people from the Division Government. All totaled about 70 people.

Their presentation included hearing from each group, 1 person at a time, to explain why they need clean water and their current hardships. A translator was provided.

We were introduced and had our chance to speak.

After the general meeting the water committee was retained and we presented the goals for our trip, and a technical description of the project process.

short cuts make long delays

on our way to the community meeting the van got stuck

On Site

Before our big community meeting, we started out tour of all the water sources in Kolunje.

Meryl tried out operating the pump.

Meeting w/ our local NGO

The first night they suggested a restaurant nearby, on Lake Victoria. Dinner was great.

From the left- Grace, Peter, Peter (our driver), Eunice

On the Way to Kisumu

On the way out, the drive across Kenya was interesting.

Near Kericho, there were tea farms as far as the eye could see.

Lake Navaisha Chalet

Kolunje Water Supply

I am in a volunteer orginization called Engineers Without Borders. On the Kolunje project, I am a senior advisor to the Rutgers Chapter. Our project here is to drill a water well, and distribute water to points in the community where villagers can go to get their jugs filled for drinking water. Currently their shallow wells dry up in the dry season and drinking surface water causes much illness.
I am here with 4 students, and another senior engineer. For this trip our goal is to meet the community, and gather information so we can proceed with the design. An estimate on the population that we have to serve is 12,000 people.

To Kisumu

Today we took a 6 hour journey by van to Kisumu. The way led through the Great Rift Valley, and Kericho where there were tea farms as far as the eye could see.
We found our hotel called the Milimani Resort. The room is nice. It has air conditioning and a mosquito net over the bed.
We had dinner at a restaurant on Lake Victoria, which is the 2nd largest freshwater lake in the world (Lake Superior is the 1st) and the headwaters of the Nile.
WIFI only works downstairs in the TV room so thats where I am now, hangin w/ the folks. Its 80+ deg @ 9:50pm, and one of the guys is sitting on the couch with a winter coat on. This is cold for them. There is no A/C here so the windows are open and the mosquitos are flyin. Luckily, we were told that the mosquitos that carry Malaria only come out between 7:30 and 9 pm. There is no daylight savings time here so the mosquitos dont have to adjust.

Lake Naivasha Resort

On the way out, We stopped by a friend of Peter's that manages a Resort next door. This place has been around since 1902 when it was owned by King George. They have rooms and tents to rent. We had lunch there. The picture is Peter and I.

Lake Naivasha

For a day trip, we went to Lake Naivasha. Its about 50 miles northwest of Nairobi. We went straight to a boat tour. The lake had dropped 30 ft in the last 3 years so we had to drive out to the current lake edge. We went in a small boat and saw hippos and plenty of birds including egrets (2 kinds) eagles, egyptian geese and plenty more. There were also plenty of hippos. I took plenty of pictures, but my camera doesnt have a great zoom so I need to crop the images but I dont have that software on this laptop.

Across the lake we went on a short hike. We saw Giraffes, wilderbeast, impala, zebra, and a bunch of other animals.

dinner- yum

The first night I had to go to a restaurant called "the carnivore" I invited my tour guide, Peter to go with me.

As you can imagine there was plenty of barbequed meat. the waiters kept coming around with different meat on skewers. Pork, chicken, steak, turkey, ostridge, and more. We ate until stuffed.

The picture is me and the chef with the huge bbq behind us.

Arriving in Nairobi

I arrived last night. It was raining lightly, in the 60's. I was met by a recommended tour guide, Peter. He runs Elite Travel, and Jambo Taxi.

For the first few nights, I got a really nice hotel, The Pan-Afric. Its resort-ish right in Nairobi. There is a swimming pool, a bar and a restaurant.

I checked in, dumped the bags in the room and went to the bar with Peter. There was a nice band playing calypso music.

Stayed till about midnight. Its a little late, but body time for me was 2 hours earlier.

Peter met me after breakfast and we went on a city tour and in search of accomodiations for the rest of the EWB group when they arrive on the 6th.

Tonight we are going to have dinner at a restaurant called "The Carnivore" Its famous in Nairobi. Vegetarians not allowed. I will try to get a picture or 2.