Today, World Vision Kenya (WVK) through the Inuka Angaza Fund, successfully hosted the Less Steps for Water Run at its National Office in Karen, Nairobi, rallying colleagues, partners, families, children and supporters to tackle water scarcity in Salgaa, Nakuru County. The event aimed to expand clean water access to six schools, ensuring that more children can enjoy better health, education, and overall well-being.
For many children in Salgaa, the daily search for water has been a significant challenge. Walking up to six kilometres each day to fetch water often means missing school, while exposure to waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, diarrhoea, and typhoid puts their health at constant risk. Since June 2021, WVK, through the Inuka Angaza Fund, has been working to change this reality by focusing on sustainable solutions that address the root causes of poverty and water insecurity. The impact of these efforts is already evident. Thanks to strategic partnerships with Nakuru County, KenGen, contributions from World Vision Kenya staff, corporate partners and generous well-wishers, significant progress has already been made, including:
- Providing clean water to 695 children at Mimwaita and Gicheha Primary Schools, allowing them to focus on learning without the burden of fetching water.
- Installing two 30,000-litre rainwater harvesting tanks to ensure a reliable water supply.
- Expanding the Umoja Water Project, which now provides safe drinking water access to over 2,000 people within a 30-minute round trip, significantly reducing dependency on unsafe water 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 of World Vision Kenya. He added, “The funds raised from today’s event will help extend clean water access to six additional schools, ensuring that even more children in Salgaa no longer have to walk long distances 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. Thanks to this initiative:
- 2,079 people now have access to improved drinking water sources within a 30-minute round trip, reducing reliance on unsafe sources and lowering the prevalence of waterborne illnesses.
- Kayanet Primary School and Umoja ECD now have clean water, benefiting 390 children. • A modern automated water kiosk has been established at the borehole site, making clean water more readily available.
- An 8km pipeline distribution network, funded by the Nakuru County Government, has expanded water access to homes, schools, and early childhood development centres. As part of its commitment to long-term sustainable development, WVK, through the Inuka Angaza Fund, is also spearheading the construction of a Community Resource Centre at Belbur Primary School. This centre will be equipped with computers and a library to promote digital literacy while also serving as a safe space for adolescents, youth, and women to receive life skills training, mentorship, and counselling services.
‘‘WVK extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and partners who made today’s event a success. 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’’. Said Dr. David Githanga – Board Chair, World Vision Kenya
