St. Patrick’s Secondary School Ofafa students and the neighboring Maringo Ward communities now have access to clean and safe water, thanks to a newly commissioned water and sanitation project funded by the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Foundation.
The project is set to improve the lives of approximately 25,000 residents in the area.
The project features a borehole equipped with solar-powered systems, pumping and piping installations, a water tower, and storage tanks, ensuring a reliable supply of water.
It will address the critical water scarcity challenges faced by the school and the surrounding community.
Lack of Access to Safe Water
During the commissioning event, KPC Managing Director and KPC Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman, Joe Sang, emphasized the Foundation’s commitment to improving the quality of life for communities within KPC’s operational areas by enhancing access to essential resources.
“Today, Kenya’s water supply and sanitation is characterized by low levels of access, especially in urban slums and rural areas. Studies indicate that 15 million people in Kenya lack access to safe water. These statistics pose a challenge to each one of us to play our part in conserving our water catchment areas and use the resource responsibly,” Sang stated.
Sang was confident the project would enhance the well-being and hygiene of the students while serving as a crucial water source for the wider community.
Maringo Area Member of County Assembly (MCA), Patrick Mwangi Macharia, also attended the event and praised the KPC Foundation for addressing the long-standing water scarcity issues in Maringo.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to KPC Foundation for their efforts in alleviating the longstanding water scarcity issue in this area. The new borehole will bring about a transformative change, improving the quality of life for everyone in the area,” Macharia said.
Communities to Access Clean Water
The Ksh.3 million project is part of KPC Foundation’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) strategy, which focuses on empowering communities in key areas such as education, health, and water & sanitation.
The three-week project, which began in July 2024, marks the fourth water project undertaken by the Foundation, following successful initiatives in Meru, Kajiado, and Nairobi Counties.
In addition to the new borehole, the KPC Foundation has acquired a borehole drilling rig to enhance operational efficiency and empower more communities to access clean water.
The Foundation has also incorporated long-term sustainability measures, including environmental conservation activities such as tree planting to protect water catchment areas and promote responsible water usage.
The Foundation’s projects align with Sustainable Development Goal No. 6, which aims to ensure universal access to safe and sustainable water management by 2030.
