Hundreds Join World Vision Kenya’s Water Run to Bring Clean Water to Salgaa’s Children

By Grace Mwende 

Hundreds of participants, including families, corporate partners, and community supporters, gathered at World Vision Kenya’s National Office in Karen for the Less Steps for Water Run, an initiative under the Inuka Angaza Fund aimed at addressing water scarcity in Salgaa, Nakuru County. The event raised vital funds to expand clean water access to six additional schools, improving the health and education of children in the region.

For many children in Salgaa, the daily search for water is a major obstacle. Walking up to six kilometers each day to fetch water often leads to missed school hours and exposes them to dangerous waterborne diseases like cholera, dysentery, and typhoid. Since June 2021, World Vision Kenya (WVK) has been working through the Inuka Angaza Fund to implement sustainable solutions that combat poverty and water insecurity.

Thanks to strong partnerships with Nakuru County, KenGen, corporate donors, and well-wishers, WVK has already made significant strides. 695 children at Mimwaita and Gicheha Primary Schools now have clean water, allowing them to focus on education. Two 30,000-litre rainwater harvesting tanks have been installed to provide a reliable water supply. The Umoja Water Project has expanded, providing safe drinking water to over 2,000 people, significantly reducing dependence on unsafe sources.

"These initiatives have significantly improved hygiene, health, and learning conditions, enabling children to focus on their education in a safer environment. The success of the Less Steps for Water Run is not just about fundraising—it is about changing lives," said Gilbert Kamanga, National Director, World Vision Kenya. He emphasized that the funds raised from the event will extend clean water access to six more schools, ensuring even more children no longer have to endure long walks in search of water.

Beyond schools, the Umoja Water Project, developed in partnership with the County Government of Nakuru, has transformed water accessibility for the broader community. The initiative has led to 2,079 people gaining access to improved drinking water sources within a 30-minute round trip, reducing reliance on contaminated water. 390 children at Kayanet Primary School and Umoja ECD are now benefiting from clean water access. A modern automated water kiosk has been installed at the borehole site, making clean water more available. The expansion of an 8km pipeline network, funded by the Nakuru County Government, now supplies water to homes, schools, and early childhood development centers.

As part of its long-term commitment to sustainable development, World Vision Kenya, through the Inuka Angaza Fund, is also spearheading the construction of a Community Resource Centre at Belbur Primary School. This center will offer digital literacy programs, a library, and a safe space for adolescents, youth, and women to receive life skills training, mentorship, and counseling services.

Speaking at the event, Dr. David Githanga, Board Chair of World Vision Kenya, expressed his gratitude to all who contributed. "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."

With continued partnerships and support, World Vision Kenya remains committed to ensuring that clean water becomes a basic right for every child in Salgaa and beyond.