Sh500m grant to boost primary schools access to water
What you need to know:
- The CS noted that the surrounding communities will also benefit from the project that will be expanded to other parts of the country.
Kenya has received a Sh500 million grant from Saudi Arabia that will be used to connect primary schools with clean tap water.
Water and Irrigation Secretary Eugene Wamalwa says the project will start from North Eastern region given its harsh climate that has affected school attendance.
Mr Wamalwa said the project is part of the initiative launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta in January that would see all primary schools connected with clean water.
The CS noted that the surrounding communities will also benefit from the project that will be expanded to other parts of the country.
“We are proud to have received this grant from the government of Saudi Arabia which will go a long way in connecting primary schools to clean water, starting with Northern Kenya,” said Mr Wamalwa.
The programme is expected to raise retention of pupils in the learning institutions as many pupils keep away from class to drive camels for long distances in search of water points.
Northern Kenya, which is 550 kilometers from the country’s capital Nairobi is semi-arid and experiences hot desert climate that has seen the area suffer serious water scarcity.
