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Learners at Nyomwaru Primary School in Nyando Sub-county, Kisumu County, are enjoying improved health, better sanitation and a conducive learning environment following the completion of a clean water and sanitation project.
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The project has provided the school with a reliable source of clean drinking water, modern flood-resilient toilets and hygiene facilities, significantly improving the welfare of learners and staff.
Learners at Nyomwaru Primary School in Nyando Sub-county, Kisumu County, are enjoying improved health, better sanitation and a conducive learning environment following the completion of a clean water and sanitation project implemented through a partnership between the Kisumu County Government and Habitat for Humanity Kenya.
The project has provided the school with a reliable source of clean drinking water, modern flood-resilient toilets and hygiene facilities, significantly improving the welfare of learners and staff.
According to teacher Fredrick Onyango Juma, the school previously faced major challenges due to the lack of safe drinking water, forcing pupils to carry water from home while many frequently suffered from waterborne illnesses.
“Before the water project, we had serious challenges. Learners had to carry drinking water from home because there was no reliable source at school. Many children frequently complained of stomach-related illnesses,” Onyango said.
He noted that access to safe drinking water has greatly reduced cases of waterborne diseases, leading to improved attendance and better concentration in class.
“Our learners now enjoy safe drinking water. Cases of waterborne illnesses have greatly reduced, and absenteeism has gone down,” he added.
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As part of the initiative, 14 flood-resilient toilet cubicles for boys and girls were also constructed, improving sanitation standards within the school.
“The toilets are clean, safe and well maintained. They have greatly improved hygiene standards in the school and created a more comfortable environment, especially for our girls,” Onyango said.
The improved facilities have boosted parents’ confidence in the institution, contributing to increased enrolment. The school now has nearly 800 learners.
“Parents have gained confidence in the school because of the improved facilities. More children are enrolling, and the learning environment is much better than before,” he said.
Beyond infrastructure development, the programme has promoted hygiene awareness through environmental clubs, hygiene education and menstrual health initiatives supported by Habitat for Humanity Kenya. Learners are now serving as ambassadors of good hygiene practices within their families and communities.
“Our learners have become more aware of hygiene and health issues. They now pass this knowledge to their families,” Onyango noted.
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He said the greatest impact of the project has been on academic performance, with improved attendance translating into better learning outcomes.
“We used to struggle because many learners missed classes due to sickness. Today, more learners remain in school, our examination results have improved and many are joining national high schools,” he said.
Onyango described the initiative as life-changing for both the school and the surrounding community.
“The programme has transformed our school and our community. We are grateful because it has improved the lives of our learners and given them hope for a brighter future,” he said.
By Kimutai Langat
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