More than 400 pupils at Senior Chief Mutukei Comprehensive School in Kajiado East Sub-County are set to benefit from reliable access to clean water following the commissioning of a KSh5 million borehole project aimed at improving sanitation and food security.
Light Up Hope President Kelly Shaughnessy said the project will provide sustainable water access while supporting the establishment of kitchen gardens at the school.
“Access to clean water will not only improve health and hygiene but will also empower the school to grow its own food, enhancing food security and self-reliance for learners and the community,” Shaughnessy said.
She noted that the kitchen gardens will help improve pupils’ nutrition and reduce dependence on external food aid.
Light Up Hope Executive Director Moses Ignatius said the borehole will serve both the school and the surrounding community, fostering collaboration and shared responsibility.
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“This borehole represents shared progress. It will serve not only the learners but also the families in the surrounding area, ensuring everyone benefits from improved water access,” Ignatius said.
Kajiado Governor Joseph Lenku lauded the initiative, describing partnerships between development organisations and county governments as vital in addressing challenges in water-scarce regions.
“As a county, we are open to engaging all people of goodwill, and we will continue to work with everyone for the better of our county and our people,” Lenku said. “Together with partners like Light Up Hope, we aim to advance social and economic development in our community and across Kenya.”
The school’s head teacher, Daniel Mugenga, welcomed the project, saying it will significantly improve hygiene standards and food security while easing the burden on pupils who previously had to fetch water.
“This project will free our learners from the task of searching for water and allow them to focus fully on their studies,” Mugenga said, adding that the new water source is also expected to improve school enrolment and retention.
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The borehole is expected to be operational once drilling and installation works are completed, bringing long-term relief to the school and the wider community.
The borehole drilling project, sponsored by international non-governmental organisation Light Up Hope, is expected to address chronic water shortages in the semi-arid area, where pupils have for years been forced to walk long distances in search of water, often affecting school attendance and learning.
Kimutai Langat
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