NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 28 – Sidian Bank has launched the second phase of its Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) initiative by donating 10,000-litre water tanks to schools in four constituencies across Western Kenya.
The programme will benefit learning institutions in Turbo and Ainabkoi constituencies in Uasin Gishu County, Teso South in Busia County, and Cherangani in Trans Nzoia County, as the bank seeks to improve access to clean water and strengthen hygiene standards in schools.
The donations were handed over during ceremonies attended by representatives from the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NGCDF), school heads and community leaders. Teso South becomes the first constituency in Busia County to benefit from the second phase of the initiative.
School heads welcomed the support, citing challenges caused by unreliable water supply and high water costs. Mrs Bevelline Langat, head teacher at Kapsoya Comprehensive School in Ainabkoi Sub-county, said the water tank would help ease pressure on the school, which has nearly 1,000 learners.
“We have been struggling with high water bills and unreliable supply. This tank will greatly ease our burden and improve hygiene for our children,” she said.
In Teso South, Member of Parliament Mary Emaase Otucho said improved water infrastructure is critical to enhancing learning conditions, noting that the tanks would complement ongoing efforts to improve rainwater harvesting and borehole systems.
“Water is life. We are moving away from collapsed pit latrines to modern WASH facilities. The tanks from Sidian Bank will complement our efforts in rainwater harvesting and borehole improvements, especially with solar-powered pumps,” she said.
The MP said some schools in the constituency continue to face challenges including inadequate infrastructure, learners studying under trees and limited access to water due to the area’s terrain.
Sidian Bank Head of Institutional Banking Simon Mwangi said the initiative targets schools because access to clean water and sanitation directly affects learning outcomes.
“Children should not spend hours fetching water instead of learning. With reliable water storage, learners can focus on their books, maintain hygiene and thrive in a clean environment,” Mwangi said.
He added that the second phase builds on earlier interventions and could pave the way for additional support, including the development of boreholes in water-stressed areas.
“Partnerships are the way to go. Today we support you with tanks; tomorrow we can do more,” he said.
