Malkagalla, a remote community in Isiolo County, is celebrating a major milestone after years of struggling with water shortage.
For over a decade, residents relied on scoop holes and seasonal river pans, often contaminated and prone to drying up during droughts.
Today, the community enjoys clean, reliable water from modern infrastructure, marking a turning point in their fight against waterborne diseases and chronic water scarcity.
This transformation is the result of a strategic partnership between Action Against Hunger (ACF) and the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA).
Through a co-financing model, the two institutions invested in a comprehensive water system to serve the drought-prone region.
ACF led the installation of a 6-kilometer pipeline and a solar-powered pumping station, complete with three 10,000-liter water tanks.
They also rehabilitated three community water points and extended the pipeline to the local dispensary, ensuring a consistent water supply for healthcare delivery.
Complementing these efforts, NDMA constructed a 50,000-liter steel reservoir at the pumping station and an elevated 50,000-liter tank within the village.
Additionally, they extended clean water connections to two nearby schools, removing a major barrier to education for local children who previously spent hours fetching water.
The impact is profound. Access to safe water has drastically reduced cases of waterborne illness, improved hygiene practices, and enhanced overall nutrition.
Over 2,400 people, including families, schoolchildren, and patients, now benefit from the improved infrastructure.
For Malkagalla, this development is more than a water project; it represents restored dignity, improved health, and the foundation of a more resilient future.