# Emergency Response and Infrastructure Support at Ombaka Primary School

The severe flooding in Kenya, country wide, in May and June 2024 led the Companions of Kenya to raise funds for those in need. Due to the incredible generosity, especially from the Order of Malta’s Western Association , we have been blessed with additional resources to further our mission.

The mandate for which these funds were raised, was to assist those affected by the floods. This stretched to preventative projects, such as this one at Ombaka Primary school. Preparing for the next rains.

The shores of Lake Victoria in Western Kenya faced unprecedented challenges, as erratic rainfall between April and June triggered severe flooding and lake backflow. This natural disaster has particularly impacted the whole of Kisumu County, leaving communities displaced and infrastructure severely damaged.

# Crisis in the Ombaka Community

Along the lake’s shores in Nyando Sub County, the Ombaka Sub Location has borne the brunt of this disaster. Families have watched their homes, crops, and livelihoods wash away in the floods. In response to this crisis, Ombaka Primary School emerged as a critical evacuation center, providing refuge to over 150 displaced families who have sought shelter in the classrooms.

# A School Under Pressure

Serving as both an educational institution for 477 students and an emergency shelter, Ombaka Primary School faces mounting challenges. Many of its students come from vulnerable households or displaced families, making the schools role in the community even more vital. However, the floods have taken their toll on the school’s infrastructure as well, particularly devastating its sanitation facilities.

Several latrines have either collapsed or been submerged, creating an urgent hygiene crisis that threatens both the school’s regular operations for fear of the heightened risk of disease and its capacity to serve as an evacuation center.

# SWAP’s Targeted Response

The Safe Water and AIDS Project (SWAP), with its 19-year history of providing innovative health solutions in western Kenya, has stepped forward to address this crisis. Through their Adopt a School Initiative, which focuses on improving WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene) infrastructure in remote schools, SWAP received support from the Embassy of the Order of Malta and the Companions of Kenya to implement crucial improvements in Ombaka Primary School:

1. Construction of a new Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) latrine

2. Rehabilitation of three existing toilets

3. Exhaustion of three pit latrines serving boys, girls, and teachers

# Sustainable Impact and Future Outlook

Set for completion by mid-January 2025, these interventions will create lasting positive change for the entire school community:

– 25 girls will gain access to new, safe sanitation facilities

– 90 boys will benefit from rehabilitated toilets

– The entire school population of 477 students will enjoy improved general sanitation

– Displaced families using the school as an evacuation center will have access to proper facilities

The new infrastructure will fully comply with Kenya’s standards for WASH Infrastructure in Pre-Primary and Primary schools, significantly reducing waterborne disease risks and creating a healthier environment for both students and displaced community members.