It is estimated that 40 percent of Kenyans rely on untreated water sources, such as shallow wells and rivers, while 70 percent of Kenyans lack access to basic sanitation solutions. Women bear the greatest burden of finding water, where water is not easily accessible. The situation in urban areas is slightly more complex as there is water scarcity, even where there is accessibility. In informal settlements access to water is not guaranteed, families are faced with the option of buying expensive water from water vendors. They have no way of confirming whether the water sold by the water vendors is fit for human consumption as they do not know the source. Another urban challenge is what is referred to as water rationing. Even where households are connected to the main water supply system, there is rampant artificial water shortages. This is posing a huge health risk for urban dwellers, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, 63.7 percent of households dispose their solid waste by either dumping it in their compounds or burning it. Solid waste disposal is a big environmental challenge particularly in urban areas. In addition, women have a big responsibility in the management of waste at the household level. 

The Akombe Foundation partners with communities, county governments and other stakeholders to develop well streamlined water supply chain networks as well solid waste disposal options. Specifically, the Foundation intends to launch a WASH programme work across Kiabonyoru Ward of Nyamira County by drilling boreholes and providing access to water for homes and irrigation of gardens, thus also creating food security. The WASH program will target benefitting 2,000 homes with water and other solid management measures. Given that the terrain at Kiabonyoru Ward is rocky and hilly making it difficult to supply piped water in all the places, 200 homes will benefit from installation of a single 10,000 plastic tank and water harvesting ridges to each family so that they can harvest rainwater.