For years, schools in the counties of Kisii ,Nyamira and Bomet ,have been grappling with inadequate and unsafe sanitation facilities. Children were forced to use poorly maintained latrines, and many schools lacked reliable sources of clean drinking water, putting students at risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid.
In a transformative move set to enhance the health and well-being of thousands of students, the Rotary Clubs of Lacey and Gachie, in collaboration with Aqua Clara Kenya, have handed over essential Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) facilities to 26 schools in Nyamira, Bomet, and Kisii counties. The official handover ceremony took place at Aqua Clara Kenya’s Rigoma office on Thursday, September 19th, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.
This high-impact project, valued at millions of shillings, addresses critical gaps in the provision of clean water and sanitation in schools across these rural counties. The handover marks a major milestone in the fight against waterborne diseases, which have long plagued the region, leading to frequent absenteeism and poor academic performance among students.
The new WASH facilities, comprising modern latrines, handwashing stations, and water filtration systems , are expected to change the narrative. Thousands of students will now have access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation, creating a healthier learning environment.
The WASH project is part of a broader, long-term commitment by Rotary Clubs and Aqua Clara Kenya to ensure rural schools have access to essential resources. Beyond the immediate handover, the partnership is providing training for school staff and students on maintaining the facilities, ensuring the sustainability of the project.
The project partners specifically chose to implement their WASH program in Kisii, Nyamira, and Bomet counties because of the region’s abundant rainfall. The communities are naturally suited for rainwater harvesting, making it an ideal model for sustainable clean water solutions. The provided rainwater harvesting system, combined with sieves for filtration, ensures clean drinking water for the schools involved.
One of the beneficiaries from the WaSH project expressed gratitude for the positive changes it has brought to their community. “Aqua Clara has shown us how to live healthily by using clean water,” they said, adding that the initiative has transformed the school environment and daily lives. They are hopeful that other communities will take note of the project’s success and replicate the model, contributing to wider adoption of rainwater harvesting and improved sanitation practices.
Aqua Clara’s model also addresses all aspects of WAS;water access, improved sanitation, and hygiene practices. By upgrading latrines and providing handwashing stations, the program holistically improves both health and education outcomes in the schools. This integrated approach allows students to benefit from better hygiene standards, reducing illness and absenteeism while fostering a conducive learning environment.
The handover of these facilities is expected to be beneficial beyond the schools. With clean water and improved sanitation, communities surrounding these institutions are also likely to benefit, further extending the reach of this transformative initiative.
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The success of this initiative is expected serve as a model for similar projects in other parts of the country, where inadequate WASH facilities continue to hamper students’ health and academic progress. As the project unfolds, it promises to not only transform school environments but also inspire further collaborative efforts aimed at creating lasting change across Kenya’s rural education sector.
This landmark event sets a new standard for school sanitation and hygiene, reinforcing the idea that with the right partnerships, no school—no matter how remote—should be left behind.
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