MAJIHAI INITIATIVE
MajiHai Initiative is Jonica Foundation’s programme for improving access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene in underserved communities.
The programme places particular attention on women and girls because they often carry the greatest burden when water is unavailable, unsafe or located far from home.
MajiHai combines practical water solutions with community ownership, hygiene education and
menstrual health.
The Problem
Access to safe water remains a serious challenge in Kenya.
UNICEF reports that approximately 59% of Kenyans have access to safe drinking water while only 29% have access to basic sanitation. About 9.9 million people drink directly from contaminated surface-water sources. Behind these statistics are women and girls walking long distances for water. A woman spending three hours looking for water loses three hours she could have spent earning
an income. A girl sent to collect water may miss school. A family using contaminated water faces increased health risks.
A menstruating girl without clean water and a private toilet may avoid school altogether.
Water poverty therefore contributes to:
• Poor health.
• School absenteeism.
• Menstrual hygiene challenges.
• Loss of productive time.
• Household poverty.
• Gender inequality.
• Vulnerability during drought.
Target Group
MajiHai will prioritise:
• Water-stressed rural communities.
• Low-income households.
• Women-headed households.
• Schools.
• Women and girls.
• Communities affected by drought.
• Persons with disabilities.
• Community institutions without reliable water access.
Short Term Goal
To establish or rehabilitate one sustainable community water solution serving at least 1,000 people, while improving WASH knowledge among at least 200 households.
Long Term Goal
To improve access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene for at least 10,000 people across underserved communities.
General Objective
To improve sustainable access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene while reducing the burden of water insecurity on women and girls.
Specific Objectives
1. Improve safe-water access for at least 1,000 people.
2. Establish or rehabilitate at least one community water system.
3. Train 200 households on safe water storage, treatment, sanitation and hygiene.
4. Reach at least 200 women and girls with menstrual hygiene education.
5. Train a 10-member community water management committee, with at least 50%
female representation.
Core Activities
- Conduct one detailed community water needs assessment with community leaders,
households and technical experts. - Undertake a technical assessment to determine the most appropriate solution—such as a borehole, rehabilitation of an existing borehole, rainwater harvesting system, storage tanks or community water point.
- Establish or rehabilitate one priority water system serving at least 1,000 people.
- Conduct 4 household WASH education sessions, reaching at least 200 households.
- Conduct 4 menstrual health and hygiene sessions reaching at least 200 women and
girls. - Form and train one community water management committee responsible for local
oversight, maintenance and sustainability of the water system.
Target Impact
- 1,000+ people gain improved access to safe water, reducing dependence on unsafe or distant water sources.
- 200 households equipped with practical WASH knowledge on safe water treatment,
storage, sanitation and household hygiene. - 200 women and girls supported with menstrual-health and hygiene education,
improving knowledge, dignity and safer menstrual practices. - 1 sustainable community water solution established or rehabilitated, such as a
borehole, rainwater-harvesting system, storage facility or community water point based
on local need. - 10 community water leaders trained to oversee day-to-day management, maintenance
and sustainability of the water system. - At least 50% women represented in water management, ensuring women have a
direct voice in decisions about a resource they depend on every day
Our Foundation for This Work
Jonica Foundation already works with women, young people, community partners and County SRHR Ambassadors across Nairobi, Kiambu, Narok, Homa Bay and Kilifi. Our women’s-health programming also gives us a strong entry point for addressing the
connection between water, sanitation, menstruation, health and dignity. MajiHai brings these community relationships together with specialised WASH and technical
expertise.
Support Us
You Can Bring Water Closer to a Family.
Individuals, companies and development partners can support a borehole, tank, school WASH facility or community water project. .