Clean Water Initiative
The World Health Organization has identified contaminated water as the third highest risk factor for preventable death and disease. A majority of the water in Kenya is seriously contaminated from animal and human waste, heavy deposits of minerals/metals and pollution from industry, mining or large farming enterprises.
In Kenya, only 40% of the population has access to clean water all year round. Many take their water from the nearby rivers and streams; those in the urban area have intermittent water supply from their pipes. More typically, Kenyans must walk two to three hours a day for uncontaminated water, or pay exorbitant fees for bottled water. Many are forced to use run-off from roads and sewers.
Forte's Well
To address the need for clean water, Mercy Center Foundation, USA (MCF USA) constructed a 600-foot deep well on our site. Forte's Well, named for our co-founder and benefactor of the well, Mr. Albert Forte, now serves over 500 families a day during the four-month dry season. A small committee oversees well maintenance. Villagers pay a small fee to support well maintenance and purchase diesel fuel for the pump generator. Construction of a water kiosk on the perimeter of our property expands access to pristine water from Forte’s Well. As of today, the well has served 35,000 people in the Rift Valley and it provides the cleanest and most abundant water in the region.
A second well was built in 2019-2020 on site to provide water for the newer buildings including the dormitory and the dining hall and the science labs. In addition, we support water harvesting and have a system to collect all rain water which is saved and used as needed on the campus.
MCF USA recognizes that while the installation of the well is a tremendous accomplishment, its pristine water only benefits about 2,500 people who reside in the immediate vicinity. Thus, a key component of the clean water project will be to identify and expand alternative access to water sources.
A program grant is under consideration with the IMF for adopting a pilot biogas project that will allow us to provide clean energy for cooking and other activities on campus. The biogas project is being planned for 2021-2022 if approved. The Mercy Project is working with clean energy and environment partners to help build a model school in Lare, Kenya.
Volunteer Opportunities
MCF USA is seeking partnerships in order to construct additional wells and explore relationships with organizations that implement new water purification, recycling and filtration systems for similar remote locations. We seek to cooperate with all individuals and organizations that desire to share their expertise and resources to help us with clean water initiatives.
"Contaminated water is the third highest risk factor for preventable death and disease."
