Kenya has launched a water project that aims to provide at least 50 schools in Busia County with a reliable water supply. Busia Women Representative Catherine Omanyo initiated the project and said the move will ensure that students can focus on their education without water-related disruptions.
Speaking at Khulwanda Primary School in Nambale Subcounty, Omanyo emphasized that her administration is prioritizing schools that have long struggled with water shortages. She highlighted the critical role of clean water in improving the well-being of children and their families, stressing that access to safe water fosters community development by enhancing health and supporting economic growth.
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Benefits
The project will involve drilling boreholes in selected schools, providing access to clean water for drinking, handwashing, cooking, and sanitation. Upon completion, the initiative is expected to improve hygiene, boost school attendance, reduce the time students spend fetching water, and create a better learning environment, particularly in rural areas where water scarcity is a major challenge. The project will also be an addition to President William Ruto’s two recently launched water projects in Alupe (Teso South) and Budalangi, valued at US $31M.
Khulwanda Primary School Head Teacher, Fredrick Juma, welcomed the project, noting that it will save students time and reduce cases of waterborne diseases, which are common in flood-prone regions.
“With clean water readily available, learners will no longer waste valuable time looking for water. This will help them concentrate on their studies,” Juma said.
He further pointed out that in many villages, a single borehole often serves hundreds of households, leading to long queues. This forces students to fetch water early in the morning, causing them to arrive late for classes and miss lessons.
