Water projects and improved education infrastructure fosters development in rural Kenya

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

By Sarah Ooko and Irene Sinoya, Communications Specialists, World Vision Kenya

World Vision has handed over seven water projects (boreholes) equipped with solar powered pumps to the County Government of Kisumu at Katito in Nyakach Sub-County.

The organisation also handed over two Early Childhood Development (ECD) classrooms and an ablution block that is serving residents of Katito town.

Dr.Mathews Owili, @KisumuCountyKE Deputy Governor (left) and Jeremiah Orongo ( @WorldVisionKE Manager in Kisumu) display the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two organisations. We are working together to transform lives in Katito,Kenya. #PartnershipsWork — Dr.Mathews Owili (Kisumu County Deputy Governor) and Jeremiah Orongo (World Vision Manager in Katito) display the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two organisations during the handover ceremony.

The seven water projects - totalling to over Ksh. 81 million (KSh.81,911,007) - will enable children, families and communities to enjoy access to safe and clean water. They are benefitting over 9,000 households and 10 learning institutions in Katito.

*Access to clean and safe water improves the well-being of children and their families. ©World Vision Photo/Irene Sinoya.*

The schools benefiting from the water projects include Onyuongo RC, Oremo, Kandiege, Moro, Magunga and Kowire primary schools. Some of the water projects are also serving traders in various markets as well as health facilities in Katito.

*The Early Childhood Development (ECD) classrooms are enabling young children to enjoy access to quality education in Kisumu County, Kenya.©World Vision Photo/Irene Sinoya*

“Water challenges have been a barrier to the well-being of children and families in this area. This is why access to clean and safe water was a priority for World Vision in this community. Water is a precursor to development as it allows communities to prosper and thrive as a result of good health and opportunities for economic growth,” said Jeremiah Orongo, World Vision cluster manager for Kisumu and Siaya.

He noted that the two ECD classrooms, are enabling children to access quality education that boosts their literacy and numeracy skills. This provides a strong foundation for knowledge acquisition as the children grow.

The ablution block on the other hand, has enabled the town to have adequate sanitation facilities (toilets and handwashing stations) that are helping over 800 traders in Katito town to maintain good hygiene practices. This is also contributing significantly to the COVID-19 fight and prevention.

The ablution block constructed in Katito town has enabled traders to have adequate sanitation facilities (toilets and handwashing stations).They are able to maintain good hygiene practices, which is contributing significantly to the COVID-19 fight in Kisumu County.©World Vision Photo/Irene Sinoya

“We are happy to hand over these projects to the County that will now manage them and ensure that they continue to benefit communities in Katito,” he added.

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