Tackling Water Scarcity in Salgaa to Improve Health and Education

By Melisa Mong'ina - Water scarcity remains a major challenge for children in Salgaa, Nakuru County. Walking up to six kilometers daily to fetch water has led to absenteeism in schools, while poor water quality exposes them to diseases like cholera, dysentery, and typhoid.

To address this crisis, World Vision Kenya (WVK), through the Inuka Angaza Fund, launched the Less Steps for Water Run initiative, rallying colleagues, partners, families, and supporters to expand clean water access in six schools. The goal is to improve children's health, education, and overall well-being.

Dr. Mara Nelson, the Nakuru County Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change, Water, Natural Resources, Energy, and Agroecology, emphasized the initiative’s importance in providing clean water to communities in Salgaa and Bisoy.

“We are here to join World Vision Kenya in this noble activity of ensuring that we provide water to these communities,” he said.

Through a partnership with WVK, Nakuru County has already drilled and equipped four boreholes, each supplying eight cubic meters of water per hour. These projects have benefited over 3,000 households in Bisoy and Basob wards, significantly reducing the distance families travel to fetch water.

“In Bisoy ward alone, the Umoja project has brought clean water to 1,500 households, improving health and freeing up time for children to focus on their education,” Dr. Nelson added.

Before this initiative, residents relied on the Rongai River, which was both contaminated and unreliable during dry periods. Many had to walk long distances for water, a burden that mainly fell on women and children. 

With the new boreholes, access to safe drinking water has dramatically improved, reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases and ensuring more consistent school attendance.

The success of these projects has paved the way for a new water initiative in Ismasop ward, Rongai Sub-county. The plan includes equipping the Mimwaita borehole to serve approximately 300 households. 

“Today’s run was aimed at raising funds to equip the Mimwaita borehole. The budget is ready, and we are awaiting further collaboration with WVK to complete the project,” Dr. Nelson explained.

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Gilbert Kamanga, National Director of World Vision Kenya, emphasized that the Less Steps for Water initiative is fully funded by Kenyans, urging local businesses and individuals to contribute.

“This is a Kenyan-driven initiative. We want Kenyans to take part in raising resources to help the Salgaa community,” he said.

Access to clean water has already transformed lives. Reduced cases of waterborne diseases mean healthier children, fewer hospital visits, and improved school attendance.

“Water is essential for education. When children lack clean water, they fall sick and struggle to concentrate in school,” Kamanga noted. “This initiative ensures they stay in class and focus on their future.”

Lilian Mageto, a staff member at WVK, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the fundraising goal of Ksh. 8 million to expand clean water access.

“We are urging the public to donate so that we can pipe water into more homes and schools,” she said. “With more clean water, we can ensure children stay in school and communities thrive.”

As the initiative gains momentum, it serves as a powerful example of how community-driven efforts can solve local challenges. Thanks to collective action, the children of Salgaa no longer have to choose between fetching water and attending school—their future is looking brighter.