On July 21, we held the opening ceremony for a new borehole at Nalepo Kanan. Originally called Inkisanjani, the community changed the name to “Naleop Kanan,” meanining “the Promised Land,” because of this gift of clean, accessible water. Our friends from St. Philip’s Lutheran Church from Wilmington, DE, sponsored the well with a generous $80,000 gift! A group of 23 church members were present for the festivities. Let’s go over what it took to bring water to this community.
Partnership and Construction
In November 2023, Water is Life Kenya (WILK) co-founder Joyce Tannian gave a talk to the OWLS (Older Wiser Lutheran Seniors) at St. Philip’s Lutheran Church about the work we do in Kenya. The following January, Senior Pastor Rev. Patrick Downes called us to ask how to make a borehole project happen. After deciding to form a partnership with us, the congregation raised enough money to support a WASH project for a community that called itself Inkisanjani.
After conducting a hydrogeological survey, we decided to drill the borehole near both Inkisanjani Primary School and St. Luke’s Secondary School. More than 1,200 students attend the two schools, so the need for clean water was great. And, because of the borehole’s location, the community and its livestock would benefit from this new local source of water, too.
In December 2024, drilling began then test pumping was conducted. Once the rainy season ended the following April, construction could begin. As with most of our WASH projects, reinforced concrete was used to elephant-proof the water tank. Pipelines were connected directly to both schools as well as to community water points. Solar panels keep the operation running.
By mid-summer, the borehole was fully operational for the students and local community that now calls itself Nalepo Kanan, or “the Promised Land.” The opening ceremony was held when a group from St. Philip’s visited in July.
Gathering in Celebration
The travel group of 23 had planned this journey for a year, so their excitement was palpable. It was a cooler day, so the St. Philip’s travelers got to bundle up in the beaded capes and shirts they were given. As our team looked around during the festivities, we saw a lot of smiling faces so overwhelmed by joy that they couldn’t put into words what was happening.
Altogether, 2,500 people showed up for the ceremony, including 1,000 students from St. Luke’s Primary School, a Member of Parliament, and the surrounding community. Community leaders led prayers, messages of thanks, singing, dancing, and plenty of celebrating. The night ended with dinner and a campfire back at the safari lodge, where Church members shared stories and memories that will last a lifetime.
In the days that followed the ceremony, travelers spent time with the community, presented to students, played games, held a talent show, visited homes, and made friends. We’re so grateful for their partnership, and so is Nalepo Kanan!
Partners Promise a Bright Future
The features built along with the borehole will ensure that people can take advantage of this water source for a long time, so that students and community members alike will benefit from this new water source. This project will improve lives and inspire residents—like the enterprising lady who already built a vegetable stand at the well!
This is what partnering with WILK looks like. When like-minded groups work together to tackle a problem, so much is possible. In this case, thousands of people now have access to clean, potable water for the first time, offering hope and the promise of a better future.
We’re proud of the work our partnership with St. Philip’s has enabled in Nalepo Kanan, and we hope this special relationship continues into the future.
