Evaluation of Water Resources in the Mbirikani Group Ranch, Loitokitok District, Kenya

Abstract

<p>Access to safe water is essential for the promotion of human health. In 2007, the World Health Organization estimated that approximately one tenth of the global disease burden was attributable to unsafe water, sanitation, and hygiene practices (1). In Kenya, water is scarce: only 2% of the surface area is covered by water and 80% of the country lies in an arid climate zone (2). Changing climate conditions have increased water scarcity and led to overlapping water usage contributing to disease spread and resulting in a declining health status. Though many regions in Kenya have private and government public health institutions, their primary focus is controlling pressing disease outbreaks such as malaria and HIV. Most organizations lack the funding and resources to conduct studies that evaluate community health. During the summer of 2009 a baseline public health survey was conducted by the School for Field Studies in the Mbirikani Group Ranch of southern Kenya. Information on demographics, water, sanitation, nutrition, health and agricutlure was collected from 153 randomly selected households. Data was analyzed using statistical software and results along with recommendations for improvement were presented to local community members and government health officials. The Kimana pipeline was identified as the primary drinking water source in the Mbirikani Group Ranch. This water source, along with others, was also used for domestic practices, livestock (including pesticide application) and agriculture. A high risk for enteric illness was associated with unprotected water sources, suggesting that this shared usage is a threat to human health. A majority of households do not treat their water because they believe that it is safe to drink. This is largely influenced by the misconception that water coming from a pipe is treated while the Kimana pipeline is only treated at the source.</p><p>This presentation occurred at the Wright State University Campus-Wide Celebration of Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities on April 16, 2010</p>