In 2006, the community proactively collaborated with the Segera Mission to identify potential solutions to the situation.  The group decided that a footbridge was the best solution to the problem.  

The Endana community lacked the funding and technical knowledge to build a footbridge. Yet the people of Endana were not deterred and repeatedly solicited support from local government leaders. These requests went unanswered so the community leaders collaborated with the Segera Mission to post the project to the national web site of the Engineers Without Borders USA (EWB-USA). EWB-OC selected this project in late 2008 and has working diligently ever since to bring the Endana footbridge to fruition.

Once we confirmed the community’s support, obtained the necessary permission from the local government and ensured that there were no land ownership conflicts, the technical site evaluation of the prospective bridge location was completed.

Building a bridge will improve accessibility to the Segera Mission Clinic for timely health treatments and to ensure a steady supply of clean drinking water as well as uninterrupted education for schools on both sides of the river. 

The project will impact approximately 4,500 people in the immediate and neighboring communities.

In addition to helping the community with an imminent need, our goal is to provide the education necessary to continue the upkeep of the footbridge and involve the community in every step of the project from concept to construction to promote ownership.

Sustainability is the underlying goal of the Endana Footbridge project. The design of the bridge will pass through a detailed review at the National Office of Engineers Without Borders to ensure that the design is both robust and sustainable. The bridge will be constructed using materials purchased in Kenya and simple construction techniques to allow for easy repair and maintenance. The local community will provide the labor to promote the communities sense of ownership for the bridge. EWB-OC will educate and train community members on techniques used to construct the bridge as well as the preventative maintenance practices that need to be followed.

In addition, the bridge will join the communities on the eastern and western banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River. The increased integration of the communities will promote trade and the exchange of ideas. If the bridge is maintained according to the EWB-OC guidance, the Endana Footbridge could easily last 50 years.

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