Sidian Bank has launched the second phase of its Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme by donating 10,000-litre water tanks to schools in four constituencies across western Kenya.
The move aimed at improving access to clean water and better hygiene in learning institutions.
The beneficiaries are schools in Turbo and Ainabkoi constituencies in Uasin Gishu County, Teso South Constituency in Busia County, and Cherangani Constituency in Trans Nzoia County. The bank said the initiative builds on its commitment to improving water access and sanitation standards in schools across the region.
The tanks were handed over during a ceremony attended by representatives of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NGCDF), school heads and community leaders. Teso South became the first constituency in Busia County to benefit from this phase of the programme.
School leaders welcomed the donation, saying it will help address water shortages and improve hygiene.
Kapsoya Comprehensive School head teacher Mrs Bevelline Langat said, "We have been struggling with high water bills and unreliable supply. This tank will greatly ease our burden and improve hygiene for our children."
Speaking during the event in Teso South, area Member of Parliament Mary Emaase Otucho described the donation as a boost to ongoing efforts to improve water infrastructure in schools.
"Water is life. We are moving away from collapsed pit latrines to modern WASH facilities. The tanks from Sidian Bank will complement our efforts in rainwater harvesting and borehole improvements, especially with solar-powered pumps," she said.
The MP also highlighted challenges facing schools in the constituency, including unstable classrooms, pupils learning under trees and unreliable water access due to the terrain around the slopes of Mount Elgon. She expressed optimism about expanding collaboration to include 15 modern WASH facilities designed to improve privacy and hygiene for girls during menstruation.
Sidian Bank Head of Institutional Banking Simon Mwangi said the programme focuses on schools because of the link between reliable water supply, sanitation and learning.
"Children should not spend hours fetching water instead of learning. With reliable water storage, learners can focus on their books, maintain hygiene and thrive in a clean environment," he said.
He added, "Partnerships are the way to go. Today we support you with tanks; tomorrow we can do more."
