- Students at Kibingei Girls High School in Kericho County walk more than 800 metres daily in search of water.
- School leaders say the shortage is affecting learning, hygiene and the health of learners.
- The school is appealing for Sh200,000 to restore its water connection after pipes were removed during road construction.
Students at Kibingei Girls High School in Belgut, Kericho County, are grappling with a severe water shortage that has forced them to walk more than 800 metres each day to fetch water.
School administrators say the prolonged crisis is disrupting learning and exposing learners to health risks as they struggle to access water for drinking, cooking and maintaining proper hygiene.
Principal Jackline Ngetich said the school previously enjoyed a reliable water supply before water pipes were removed during the construction of a nearby road.
“The school had a dependable water supply before the road construction. Unfortunately, the pipes were removed and have never been reconnected, leaving us without water,” said Ngetich.
She recalled that the school’s clean and orderly environment had influenced her decision to seek a transfer there, but the situation has since deteriorated.
“When I came here, the school was clean and well maintained, and that motivated me to transfer. Today, the situation is completely different because of the lack of water. I really sympathise with our girls because they are enduring great hardship every day,” she added.
Ngetich appealed to local leaders and relevant government agencies to intervene urgently and restore the school’s water supply.
“We are appealing to our leaders and all concerned stakeholders to help us reconnect the water. Our students deserve a safe and conducive learning environment,” she said.
Calls for urgent intervention
School Board of Management Vice Chair Moses Rotich blamed the contractor who removed the pipes during the road construction project, saying the issue has remained unresolved despite repeated appeals.
“The contractor removed the water pipes but failed to restore them. When we sought answers, responsibility was denied, yet it is our students who continue to suffer,” said Rotich.
He warned that the water shortage is threatening learners’ health because maintaining proper hygiene has become increasingly difficult.
“The lack of water has become a serious health concern because maintaining proper hygiene is now very difficult for the students,” he said.
Rotich estimated that about Sh200,000 would be required to reconnect the school’s water supply and noted that the surrounding community is also struggling because of the ongoing dry spell.
“We estimate that around Sh200,000 is needed to restore the water connection. The entire community is facing a severe dry spell, making the situation even more urgent,” he said.
School leaders are now appealing to the county and national governments, development partners and well-wishers to help restore the school’s water supply, saying access to clean water is essential for effective learning, proper sanitation and the well-being of students.
By Kimutai Langat
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