𝑩𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒐 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒚 𝟭𝟬/𝟬𝟳/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱…

Centre for Enhancing Democracy and Good Governance. , Bajeti Hub , Christian Impact Mission – CIM, Diakonia , and budget champions made a field visit to Kapluk to witness firsthand the impact of grassroots-driven advocacy in action.

The delegation visited the Kapluk Water Project a testament to the power of sustained citizen engagement within the budget-making process.

The Kapluk borehole was initially prioritized by the community during the 2014/15 financial year, with a budget champion playing a pivotal role in mobilizing residents around their most urgent needs. However, the initial Ksh. 2.5 million allocation was insufficient to complete the project. Though the borehole was drilled and capped, the community remained without water access for years.

Guided by insights gained from budget monitoring and feedback mechanisms, the budget champions re-engaged the community and successfully lobbied for an additional Ksh. 1.8 million. Despite a slow implementation process, the champions, together with the project committee, remained vigilant consistently following up until the water project was finally completed in 2021.

Today, the Kapluk Water Project serves over 150 households, Kapluk Secondary School (150 students), and Kapluk Primary School (300 pupils). Students now have consistent access to clean water within school grounds, significantly reducing the need to leave school in search of water — a change that has not only saved time but has also minimized disciplinary challenges linked to unsupervised movement.

During the site visit, partners and champions reflected on the critical role that community ownership, persistent follow-up, and informed advocacy play in ensuring accountability and results in public service delivery.

The Kapluk story is not just about a water project; it is a story of resilience, learning, and the power of participatory budgeting to transform lives.