Introduction
Kenya is a democracy in Eastern Africa with approximately 40 million inhabitants. In Kenya the differences between rich and poor are huge; the richest 10% possess 37.8% of the Gross Domestic Product, the poorest 10% possess 1.8%. Over half of the population, of which 40% is unemployed, lives under the poverty line, lacking both money and basic necessities needed to successfully access food, water, education, healthcare and posses shelter. Provision of water, sanitation, hygiene awareness and housing solutions are urgent matters. Exactly the themes within the focus of Solid House Foundation.
Since 2004 is Solid House Foundation active in Kenya. SHF started with the selection of partners, identifying necessary theme’s of support and the introduction of dome technology to see if this was a viable alternative for low income housing. With the support of Cordaid two solid houses were built, one in Ruai containing two shops and one in Nairobi used as meeting room by our partner NACHU (National Cooperative Housing Union).
After the post election violence SHF is back in Kenya carrying out an Urban renewal/upgrading Programme, a School water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) Programme and a WASH Project.
Urban renewal and upgrading Programme Nakuru
In 2008 SHF was invited by the Municipal Council of Nakuru (MCN) to assist in the renewal and upgrading of it’s housing stock. During the programme assessment, SHF noticed that housing challenges in Nakuru, especially as a result of the influx of people from the town’s hinterland, required long term strategic planning. This led to the view that a Strategic Housing Vision for Nakuru (SHVN), a policy document that will guide housing development in Nakuru, models for affordable, sustainable and environmentally friendly houses and micro mortgages need to be developed.
Oloika project
To improve the attendance of Maasai girls at school, an assurance of a better future, a dormitory for girls was added to Oloika Primary School. SHF and Practical Action East Africa are requested by the school to extend the WatSan facility with safe drinking water and water points and a matron’s house next to the dormitory. Currently SHF is fundraising for the completion of the project and would like to roll-out many more of such interventions in Kenyan schools (see School-WASH Programme).
School-WASH Programme
Due to the high needs for appropriate Water and Sanitation (WatSan) facilities in schools, it’s a basic need, SHF and partners decided to roll out a programme in this sector. This is an integral programme with a construction, capacity building and advocacy element. Together with schools and four Kenyan partners SHF will carry out this programme. SHF is the management partner, SNV South Rift Valley the advocacy partner, Umande Trust the hardware and water purification partner, and Jacaranda Design and Participatory Methodologies Forum of Kenya the hygiene awareness partner.
