Yuumbu is a village of around 2,600 residents. It is a semi-arid settlement, close to the town of Ikutha, and situated in the sub-saharan Kitui county, the population of which is around 60,000.

Most prevalent diseases are malaria, respiratory infections, diarrhoea, skin diseases, eye infections and nutritional diseases. Life expectancy is 51 years.

A combination of livestock and arable farming produces the county's main subsistence crop, maize (corn). Crops of beans, peas and millet are produced alongside cattle, goat and poultry but many of the residents are unable to afford meat.

Houses are usually built of mud walls, dirt floors and tin or thatched roofs. Most of the adults in this area are unemployed but some have work as animal herders or subsistence farmers. The average wage is the equivalent of £17 per month.

Water is drawn from the Athi river on the south-west boundary. It is grossly polluted and not fit for human consumption or agricultural activities.

There are two rainy seasons each year: long rains fall in March/April with shorter rainfall in November/December. Ikutha has a savannah climate.

The community in Ikutha needs educational materials, employment opportunities and libraries.