Project Narrative
The Salvation Army Kenya West Territory, with Jahemy Innovation as the lead research consultant, conducted a baseline study across Lokitaung, Kaeris, Kaleng, and Kaekor. Surveying 266 households (98.2% response rate), the study establishes critical benchmarks for water access, food security, and climate adaptation in Turkana County.
The baseline study report for Phase II of The Salvation Army Kenya West Territory’s KYW Turkana WASH and VSLA Project establishes starting values across Lokitaung, Kaeris, Kaleng, and Kaekor in Turkana County. Using a cross-sectional mixed-methods design (n=266 completed household surveys), the study benchmarks five interconnected result areas: WASH, food security, livelihoods, gender equality, and climate resilience. Key Baseline IndicatorsResult AreaBaseline ValuePrimary Gap / ChallengeWater Service23.7% meet improved source & <30-min round-trip standard (Target: 60%) Long distances, queuing, and frequent breakdowns limit access despite 53.4% using boreholes. Sanitation & Hygiene44.4% latrine access; 36.8% observe basic handwashing package (facility + water + soap) Infrastructure lacks consistent water/soap; only 40.9% of eligible households have complete MHM access. Food & Nutrition79.7% experienced severe food shortage; 4.9/12 mean Household Dietary Diversity Score Extreme food insecurity; 81.6% reported sleeping hungry, and kitchen garden coverage is low (28.9%). Livelihoods & VSLAs68.0% earn < KES 10,000/month; 10.5% active VSLA membership Narrow income diversity; mobile money access (53.4%) far exceeds formal savings or group inclusion. Climate Resilience94.0% experienced drought; 27.8% have preparedness measures in place Widespread drought exposure leads to erosive coping (reducing meals, distress asset sales). Gender & Governance90.3% rights knowledge score; 19.2% women in leadership roles High rights awareness is not yet translated into active voice, public leadership, or resource control. Core Operational FindingsInterconnected Vulnerabilities: Climate shocks simultaneously impair water availability, livestock health, income, and food consumption, driving reliance on short-term erosive coping. Governance and Maintenance Breakdown: Although 79.3% of water points have local management committees, 50.0% of repairs take longer than a week or do not occur at all. Knowledge vs. Action Gap: Strong awareness regarding human rights (90.3%) and critical handwashing times (80.5%) contrasts with low leadership rates (19.2%) and low handwashing station availability (36.8%). Strategic Implementation PrioritiesDeliver Complete Service Packages: Combine water infrastructure (boreholes, solar pumping) with queue management, rapid repair protocols, durable handwashing stations, and full MHM support. Link Water Access to Food Security: Integrate water investments directly with kitchen gardening, climate-smart agricultural training, and nutrition education to boost dietary diversity. Scale Inclusive VSLAs: Expand financial inclusion beyond digital payment channels by supporting quality savings groups tied to viable, drought-resilient micro-enterprises. Institutionalize Climate Preparedness: Shift household strategies from reactive asset sales to early-warning plans, emergency savings, and productive asset protection. Target Multi-Vulnerable Households: Coordinate multi-pillar interventions toward households facing compound burdens—long water collection times, extreme food insecurity, low income, and disability-related barriers.
The baseline study report for Phase II of The Salvation Army Kenya West Territory’s KYW Turkana WASH and VSLA Project establishes starting values across Lokitaung, Kaeris, Kaleng, and Kaekor in Turkana County. Using a cross-sectional mixed-methods design (n=266 completed household surveys), the study benchmarks five interconnected result areas: WASH, food security, livelihoods, gender equality, and climate resilience. Key Baseline IndicatorsResult AreaBaseline ValuePrimary Gap / ChallengeWater Service23.7% meet improved source & <30-min round-trip standard (Target: 60%) Long distances, queuing, and frequent breakdowns limit access despite 53.4% using boreholes. Sanitation & Hygiene44.4% latrine access; 36.8% observe basic handwashing package (facility + water + soap) Infrastructure lacks consistent water/soap; only 40.9% of eligible households have complete MHM access. Food & Nutrition79.7% experienced severe food shortage; 4.9/12 mean Household Dietary Diversity Score Extreme food insecurity; 81.6% reported sleeping hungry, and kitchen garden coverage is low (28.9%). Livelihoods & VSLAs68.0% earn < KES 10,000/month; 10.5% active VSLA membership Narrow income diversity; mobile money access (53.4%) far exceeds formal savings or group inclusion. Climate Resilience94.0% experienced drought; 27.8% have preparedness measures in place Widespread drought exposure leads to erosive coping (reducing meals, distress asset sales). Gender & Governance90.3% rights knowledge score; 19.2% women in leadership roles High rights awareness is not yet translated into active voice, public leadership, or resource control. Core Operational FindingsInterconnected Vulnerabilities: Climate shocks simultaneously impair water availability, livestock health, income, and food consumption, driving reliance on short-term erosive coping. Governance and Maintenance Breakdown: Although 79.3% of water points have local management committees, 50.0% of repairs take longer than a week or do not occur at all. Knowledge vs. Action Gap: Strong awareness regarding human rights (90.3%) and critical handwashing times (80.5%) contrasts with low leadership rates (19.2%) and low handwashing station availability (36.8%). Strategic Implementation PrioritiesDeliver Complete Service Packages: Combine water infrastructure (boreholes, solar pumping) with queue management, rapid repair protocols, durable handwashing stations, and full MHM support. Link Water Access to Food Security: Integrate water investments directly with kitchen gardening, climate-smart agricultural training, and nutrition education to boost dietary diversity. Scale Inclusive VSLAs: Expand financial inclusion beyond digital payment channels by supporting quality savings groups tied to viable, drought-resilient micro-enterprises. Institutionalize Climate Preparedness: Shift household strategies from reactive asset sales to early-warning plans, emergency savings, and productive asset protection. Target Multi-Vulnerable Households: Coordinate multi-pillar interventions toward households facing compound burdens—long water collection times, extreme food insecurity, low income, and disability-related barriers.