Nairobi: World Vision Kenya (WVK) has made strides in addressing water scarcity in Salgaa, Nakuru County, through the successful Less Steps for Water Run, held at its National Office in Karen, Nairobi. The event brought together colleagues, partners, families, children, and supporters, all committed to tackling water scarcity issues affecting local schools.
According to Kenya News Agency, the primary goal of the event was to expand access to clean water for six schools, thereby improving the health, education, and overall well-being of children in the region. For many Salgaa children, the daily trek of up to six kilometers to fetch water has been a significant hurdle, often resulting in missed school days and heightened exposure to waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, diarrhea, and typhoid.
Since June 2021, WVK, through the Inuka Angaza Fund, has been implementing sustainable solutions to alleviate poverty and water insecurity in the area. The impact of these efforts is already visible through strategic partnerships with Nakuru County Government, KenGen, contributions from World Vision Kenya staff, corporate partners, and generous well-wishers.
Significant achievements include providing clean water to 695 children at Mimwaita and Gicheha Primary Schools, installing two 30,000-litre rainwater harvesting tanks, and expanding the Umoja Water Project. This project now provides safe drinking water access to over 2,000 people within a 30-minute round trip, reducing dependency on unsafe water sources.
Gilbert Kamanga, the National Director of World Vision Kenya, emphasized that the success of the Less Steps for Water Run transcends fundraising, focusing instead on life-changing outcomes. The funds raised will extend clean water access to six additional schools, ensuring children in Salgaa can attend school without the burden of fetching water.
The Umoja Water Project, in partnership with the County Government of Nakuru, has also improved water accessibility for the broader community. As a result, 2,079 people now have access to better drinking water sources, decreasing reliance on unsafe sources and lowering the prevalence of waterborne illnesses.
Furthermore, Kayanet Primary School and Umoja ECD now have access to clean water, benefiting 390 children. A modern automated water kiosk has been established at the borehole site, and an 8 km pipeline distribution network funded by the Nakuru County Government has expanded water access to homes, schools, and early childhood development centers.
In supporting long-term sustainable development, WVK, through the Inuka Angaza Fund, is spearheading the construction of a Community Resource Centre at Belbur Primary School. This center will promote digital literacy and serve as a safe space for adolescents, youth, and women to receive life skills training, mentorship, and counseling services.
Dr. David Githanga, Board Chair of World Vision Kenya, expressed gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and partners who contributed to the event's success. "Your support is making it possible for more children in Salgaa to access safe water, quality education, and a healthier future. Together, we have taken fewer steps for water, so the children of Salgaa can too," he remarked.