Safe Water for Schools and Hospitals (SWASH)

Initial situation: Children's Health and Socio-Economic Future at Stake

In Naivasha Sub-County, Nakuru County, Kenya, approx. 4,500 children at Mirera Primary School face a silent but devastating health emergency. Every day these children’s futures are compromised by a preventable crisis.

The groundwater they depend on contains high levels of fFluoride - exceeding WHO’s recommended limit of 1,5mg/l - causing irreversible dental and skeletal fluorosis, cognitive impairment, and memory loss that will affect these children for life.

The stark reality:

• Children in the school are showing visible signs of dental fluorosis
• Skeletal issues (bone ache complains) begin appearing in adolescence
• Cognitive development is compromised, affecting learning capacity
• Without intervention, thousands of children face lifelong disability

Our Mission & Vision

• Mission: To provide affordable, sustainable access to safe drinking water, empowering communities and protecting children’s futures.
• Vision: A Fluorosis-free society where every child can learn, grow, and thrive without the burden of preventable disease.

Executive Summary of the Project

Fluorosis is a significant public health concern in Naivasha County, caused by naturally high levels of Fluoride in groundwater. This condition adversely affects school-aged children, leading to dental and skeletal deformities as well as cognitive challenges, including memory impairment.

In response to Harbauer Kenya Water Solutions, proposes the installation of a de-fluoridation filtration system at Mirera Primary School in Naivasha to break the cycle of fluorosis in public Primary Schools. The school has approx. 4,500 pupils and has an inadequate water supply and high levels of fluoride in the drinking water.

This initiative aims to ensure access to safe, Fluoride-free drinking water by installing HAPaqua based filter systems, while promoting health education and fostering sustainable water safety practices within the school community.

Our Solution: Immediate Impact, Long-term Sustainability

The advantage of the innovative HAPaqua filter granulate compared to conventional methods like bone chare, activated alumina or reverse osmosis (RO) are:

• High specific adsorption capacity for Fluoride
• No need of high-pressure pump or membrane
• High energy efficiency and easy to maintain
• Low installation costs due to local production
• Solarized systems with gravity-driven filtration

Program Approach

Phase 1: Emergency Water Access

• Install de-fluoridation system serving 4,500+ users daily
• Replace broken borehole pump for reliable water supply
• Immediate provision of safe and good quality drinking water

Phase 2: Education & Empowerment

• Conduct baseline health assessments documenting current fluorosis levels
• Deliver targeted education on Fluoride risks and prevention
• Integrate water safety into school curriculum
• Train Environment and Health Club members as water safety ambassadors

Phase 3: Monitoring & Sustainability

• Establish water quality testing protocols
• Create maintenance fund for long-term system operation
• Quarterly professional assessments by certified technicians
• Community ownership and local capacity building

Expected Impact: Measurable Change in Children's Lives

Immediate Outcomes (0 - 6 months)

• 4,500 children access safe and good quality drinking water daily
• 100% reduction in Fluoride exposure at school
• Enhanced learning capacity as cognitive function improves
• Prevented dental fluorosis in younger students

Long-term Impact (1 - 4 years)

• Halted progression of existing fluorosis cases
• Improved academic performance due to better cognitive function
• Community model replicable across 100+ affected schools in the region
• Health cost savings in avoided medical (dental and bone healthcare) treatments

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being - directly preventing disability
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation - ensuring safe water access
• Kenya's UHC Vision 2030 - preventive healthcare approach

The window of opportunity now: Children under 12 can still benefit significantly from Fluoride-free water, preventing bone and organ health issues including cognitive impairment

Our Commitment: Transparency and Accountability

Monitoring & Reporting

• Monthly water quality reports with lab results
• Quarterly health assessments documenting improvement
• Annual impact evaluation with independent verification
• Real-time progress and donor access updates through digital dashboard

Sustainability strategy

• School ownership: Management committee to oversee daily operations
• Professional support: Quarterly servicing by Harbauer Kenya staff
• Community engagement collaboration: Parents, teachers, and pupils involved in monitoring
• Replicable model: Documented for expansion across Fluoride-affected regions

Contact us to discuss partnership opportunities and visit Mirera Primary School to witness the urgent need firsthand. Together, we can ensure no child's future is compromised by preventable fluorosis.

"Safe water is not a privilege - it's a fundamental right. Every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and thrive without the burden of preventable disease."