CLEAN WATER ACCESS AT THE CENTRE OF LOVE KIBERA

Introduction

The past quarter has been marked by heavy rains across Kibera, resulting in severe flooding that has significantly affected the already vulnerable population. As one of the largest informal settlements in Africa, Kibera faces heightened risks during the rainy season due to poor drainage systems, overcrowding, and inadequate sanitation infrastructure.

Floodwaters have displaced several families, destroyed makeshift homes, and disrupted essential services. In many areas, water pipes have been washed away, and open sewage has flowed through residential zones, creating a serious public health risk. The situation has exposed the urgent need for sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions.

Current Situation: Floods and Displacement

The ongoing rains have intensified flooding across Kibera, leaving many households without shelter and access to clean water. Families have been forced to relocate temporarily, often to overcrowded and unsafe conditions.

Key challenges observed include:

• Contaminated water sources due to flooding and sewage overflow
• Increased exposure to waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid
• Damaged infrastructure, including broken water pipes and sanitation systems
• Limited access to safe drinking water for displaced families

The combination of these factors has made access to clean and safe water not just a necessity but a life-saving priority.

Community Response: KICK It For WASH Initiative

In response to the crisis, the Centre of Love launched an innovative awareness campaign dubbed “KICK It For WASH.” This initiative leverages the power of youth engagement through football to promote sanitation and hygiene practices within the community. Through organized soccer activities, young people have become ambassadors of change, using a platform they are passionate about to:

• Educate peers and families on hygiene practices
• Promote safe water handling and storage
• Encourage community responsibility in maintaining sanitation

“KICK It For WASH” has evolved beyond a slogan into a movement—an inspiring, youth-driven effort to sustain awareness and action around WASH practices in the community.

Improving Water Access and Safety

Alongside awareness efforts, the Centre of Love took practical steps to improve access to clean drinking water by replacing the water filter in its existing filtration system. This activity served a dual purpose:

1. Ensuring continued access to safe drinking water for children and families at the Centre
2. Providing hands-on training to the community on water safety and system maintenance

Training sessions focused on:

• The importance of clean and safe drinking water
• Basic maintenance of water filtration systems
• Safe water collection, storage, and handling practices
• Preventing contamination during floods

Importance of WASH Training During the Crisis

In the context of flooding and displacement, WASH training is critical. The risks of disease outbreaks increase significantly when sanitation systems fail, and clean water becomes scarce.

The training provided at the Centre of Love has been essential in:

• Reducing the spread of waterborne diseases
• Empowering community members with practical knowledge
• Promoting resilience during emergencies
• Encouraging behavioral change in hygiene practices

By equipping individuals with these skills, the Centre is helping the community not only respond to the current crisis but also prepare for future challenges.

Impact and Community Inspiration

The integration of sports, education, and practical solutions has had a profound impact. Youth participation has grown, and the message of clean water and hygiene is spreading organically throughout the community.

“KICK It For WASH” now stands as:

• A symbol of hope and resilience
• A youth-led platform for community transformation
• A sustainable approach to WASH awareness in informal settlements

Conclusion

The floods in Kibera have highlighted the fragile living conditions faced by many families and the urgent need for clean water and proper sanitation. Through proactive intervention, the Centre of Love has demonstrated that even in the most challenging circumstances, community-driven solutions can make a meaningful difference.

By combining awareness, training, and infrastructure support, the initiative is not only addressing immediate needs but also building a foundation for long-term health and resilience.

Doing it for the community is no longer just an idea—it is a lived reality at the Centre of Love.