Tom Mboya University Students Invent Water Purifying Machine
A group of 10 students from Tom Mboya University in Homa Bay, Kenya have developed a water purification machine to tackle the ongoing water crisis in the region.
Working in partnership with the Community Based Organization Wable, the students have created the Maji-Safi (M-Safi) water purification machine, which uses solar energy to purify water and offer it in three categories: filtered, mineral, and raw water.
This project could provide a solution to the water problems in the county that have been persistent over the years.
The idea for the project was triggered by the ongoing water shortages in Homa Bay. Although the region has access to lake water, it is not clean and safe for human consumption. The M-Safi machine acts as a water distribution point where people can access clean and safe water in one place.
The M-Safi machine has several filtration processes that ensure the purification of water. The water is pumped from the lake or borehole and is filtered through a process that removes microplastics before it goes to the main tank.
The water undergoes several filtration processes, including active filtration, pre-filtration, and active carbon filtration, which removes the water’s color and smell. The water is then distilled before passing through activated carbon and undergoing an ultra-filtration process using Ultraviolet Rays-Lamp.
Once the water has undergone the purification process, it is subdivided into three categories: purified, mineral, and raw water. Each category of water has its own tap from which users can draw water.
The reason for the subdivision is to ensure that water is fully utilized. Even unclean water can be renewed through this process.
The M-Safi ATM machine offers filtered water for kitchen use, mineral water for drinking and raw water for other purposes. The machine is accessed electronically and features an integrated payment system that uses M-Pesa mobile money, with the amount paid determining the volume and quality of the water dispensed.
The tap will automatically switch off when the volume paid for is reached. The idea behind the dispenser is to ensure that locals have access to affordable, safe drinking water all year round. The project was developed in collaboration with Wable Organization, a community-driven organisation aiming to build resilience in the face of climate change.
The students also provided expertise on the financial situation of the community and the type of water that should be produced. The project has been praised for helping to limit the influence of cartels over water supplies.
The dispensers are designed to be user-friendly and accessible to all members of the community, regardless of their level of technological expertise.
Wable’s director, Odak Onyango, stated that Tom Mboya University students were instrumental in the project’s success, providing research, data collection and support throughout the project’s development.
Maji Safi, a community-based organization, is offering filtered water to residents in the Ogongo area and Lwanda within Suba North Sub-County of Kenya. The organization has implemented a unique concept of water banking, allowing residents to view their purchase of water as an investment in a bank.
The money generated by Maji Safi is utilized in other development projects beneficial to the community, such as regenerative agriculture.
The director of Maji Safi, Onyango, states that the decision regarding water pricing lies with the community. Residents can choose between raw water for free or filtered water at a cost of Sh2 or Sh5 depending on the location.
Mineral water is also available at a cost of Sh50, which is significantly lower than the Sh300 price offered by other refilling shops.
The organization has had several dialogues with the County Government of Homa Bay to expand the project to 50 areas within the county. In the coming months, the organization plans to set up M-Safi water points in 50 beaches.
Maji Safi draws water from a borehole in Ogongo and utilizes water from the lake in Lwanda. The Lwanda water point provides two taps for filtered water and one for mineral water.
The organization’s goal is to make residents believe they are banking on water by viewing their purchase of water as an investment.
Before Maji Safi, residents in Lwanda village relied on unprocessed lake water, which posed health risks due to water-borne diseases. The water point set up by Maji Safi has helped residents avert water-borne diseases, according to Michael Odida, the Lwanda Beach Management Unit Chairperson.
The organization aims to fill the gap left by the Homa Bay Water and Sanitation Company (HOMAWASCO), which has dictated the frequency of water supply in the region. Onyango is optimistic that Homa Bay County can be the next producer of water if stakeholders come together for that course.
The M-Safi machine is an innovative project that can significantly contribute to solving the water crisis in Homa Bay. The project is a breakthrough that could prove essential for other areas with water scarcity challenges.
The project can also encourage other young people to come up with innovative solutions to address social issues in their communities.
Tom Mboya University Students Invent Water Purifying Machine
