First of all I would like to apologize for leaving anyone hanging – the hours and days after our final presentation have flown by and I am now on my three day journey back to the states.

The presentation couldn’t have gone better. We had about 80 people attend – so many that the students had to stand outside so everyone would fit in the chumba (our main classroom at the SFS site). Each of the five groups gave separate presentations which took about three hours and was followed by a free lunch for all who attended. Each presentation ended with recommendations to the community based off the findings of our survey and research – and was followed with questions and discussions. (The whole presentation was translated into Maasai tribal language).

My group (water source and collection) found that the main source of water utilized in the group ranch was the Kimana Pipeline, a system that draws water from a protected spring fed by Mt. Kilamonjaro. The water is treated at the source but then travels over 20 km through leaky unprotected pipes to withdrawl points. The local clinic has tested this water and found it to be contaminated at some points. We had reports of spraying and watering livestock, mixing pesticides, washing laundry, bathing and toileting at all of the water sources used and 75% of respondents did not treat their water. Our recommendations were to separate these activities from the water sources and we stressed that all drinking water needs to be treated, regardless of the source. Due to drought conditions we also recommended seeking alternate water sources such as rainwater harvesting during the wet season and groundwater exploration.

The community was very receptive of our recommendations and surprised to learn that the pipeline water could be contaminated. Many had the conception that clear water coming from a pipe must be clean and only 1 in every 10 pipeline users actually treated the water before drinking. The recommendations for alternate water sources also sparked a lot of conversation but also frustrations. Government interaction is needed to invest in rainwater harvesting and to drill and test for useable groundwater. This need is stronger now than ever with the current drought, however the government is not stepping in. The health workers that attended our presentation there said they would bring these concerns to government officials but there is no telling what will happen.

The reactions towards all of the group presentations were great and we often had to cut short on discussions to keep track with time. To see the community appreciate and take concern in all of the work we had done over the past five weeks was very special. It felt great to know our recommendations were being heard and that the community was so interested in ways to improve their lifestyles.

If even just one person takes our advice, I will be happy. It only takes one person to be a leader in the community and I hope that we were able to reach out in some way and promote positive change. Professor Rotich from Moi University Kenya made the closing remarks to our presentation and he couldn’t have said it better:

“From this study I have learned that our cultures are similar and so, I consider myself your brother. As your brother, I am telling you that we must change. Hold on to your traditions – they are you identity. But if we do not change – positive change – we will not survive, the Maasai will disappear.”