Students at Kabarnet University have raised concern over a severe water shortage at the institution. The students warned that the crisis is disrupting learning activities and exposing learners to possible disease outbreaks and insecurity.
They called for urgent intervention from both the national and county governments to address the persistent problem, which they say has affected the institution for years.
Led by student Naomi Cherono, the learners lamented that they have been forced to spend several hours daily searching for water, a situation they say has negatively affected academic programmes and student welfare.
“We are spending a lot of time looking for water instead of concentrating on our studies. The situation is becoming unbearable and it is interfering with learning activities,” said Cherono.
She questioned why the issue had remained unresolved despite numerous complaints raised by students and stakeholders over time.
“It is worrying that this problem has persisted for so long, yet concerns have been raised repeatedly. We need immediate intervention before the situation worsens,” she added.
Cherono further warned that the search for water was exposing students to security risks, especially those forced to walk long distances at odd hours in search of the commodity.
“As students, we are also exposed to attacks while looking for water outside the institution. This is a serious security concern that should not be ignored,” she said.
The students appealed to area Member of Parliament Joshua Kandie and other leaders to intervene and help find a lasting solution to the crisis.
Another student, Joyce Jelagat, expressed concern that a higher learning institution could continue operating without reliable access to water while neighbouring institutions appeared to have stable supply.
“It is shocking that such an institution lacks water, yet other institutions within the same area have access to the commodity,” said Jelagat.
Lecturers at the institution also voiced concern over the crisis, noting that adequate financial resources should be allocated toward addressing the persistent shortage.
Some stakeholders attributed the problem to longstanding infrastructural challenges affecting water treatment and distribution systems within the region.
Historically, institutions in Kabarnet and surrounding areas have depended on water supplied from Kirandich Dam and the Chemususu Water Project.
However, frequent breakdowns of pumping equipment, electricity fluctuations, and delayed maintenance have reportedly disrupted supply to elevated areas, leaving institutions such as Kabarnet University without consistent water access.
Stakeholders also cited prolonged political wrangles surrounding the establishment and development of the university project as another factor that delayed investment in independent water infrastructure for the institution.
In addition, the region has continued to experience harsh climatic conditions, including prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall patterns, further complicating water distribution in the semi-arid county.
Experts now argue that institutions in water-stressed regions such as Baringo must adopt long-term self-reliance measures to cushion themselves from recurring shortages.
Among the proposed solutions are large-scale rainwater harvesting systems, construction of high-capacity water storage tanks, drilling of boreholes, and installation of solar-powered pumping systems to reduce dependence on unreliable electricity supply.
Education and water experts have also challenged universities in rural areas to integrate research and innovation into solving community problems, including developing affordable water purification technologies and conducting geological mapping to identify sustainable underground water sources.
Students and staff at the institution have now urged authorities to act swiftly to avert a possible health crisis and restore normal learning operations at the university.
READ ALSO: Renewed hope for Baringo residents as Kabarnet University takes off
“We only want a conducive learning environment. Water is a basic necessity and without it, learning and normal life at the institution become extremely difficult,” said Cherono.
At the same time, Ayub Kibet also raised concern over the situation and demanded urgent intervention from the relevant authorities.
“The matter should be given priority because access to water is essential for effective learning and the wellbeing of students,” said Kibet.
By Kimutai Langat
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
