Narok County, 15 schools benefitted from the AMREF Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programme, with the initiative being showcased at Lekanka Comprehensive School in Narok West Sub-County. This development highlights AMREF Health Africa’s dedication to enhancing water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure in underserved areas.
Daniel Karau, AMREF WASH Manager, explained that the programme, which is supported by the German-based Welfare Foundation, is a key component of AMREF Health Africa’s mission. The programme focuses on ensuring access to safe drinking water, proper sanitation, and hygiene in schools and communities that are in critical need.
“Our main goal is to provide safe drinking water, effective sanitation, and promote hygiene in underserved communities and educational institutions,” Karau emphasized. Since its launch in 2021, the programme has made substantial progress. It has supported 42 schools and 281 villages, significantly impacting the quality of life by improving access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene practices. The programme specifically aims to positively influence education and health outcomes for women and adolescent girls.
The importance of this initiative was underscored by Joseph Lewa, the Deputy County Commissioner, who commended AMREF Health Africa for its collaborative approach with both the national and county governments. Lewa highlighted the value of the project in Lekanka Centre, which serves around 6,500 households. He noted that the provision of water to these households is of immense benefit to the local community, improving their overall quality of life.
Madam Rose Lanoi, the principal of Lekanka Comprehensive School, expressed her appreciation for AMREF’s decision to hold the event at her institution. Lanoi praised the programme for its positive impact on the school, particularly noting the enhancements in water and sanitation facilities that have greatly benefitted both students and staff.
The AMREF WASH programme’s impact extends beyond immediate health benefits. By improving water access and sanitation, the programme creates a better learning environment for students and promotes better health practices. The focus on women and adolescent girls is particularly significant, as it helps to address gender disparities in education and health, ensuring that these groups also benefit from improved facilities and services.
The collaboration between AMREF Health Africa, the Welfare Foundation, and local government entities is a model of successful partnership in tackling essential community needs. This initiative demonstrates how targeted interventions can lead to meaningful improvements in the quality of life for many individuals.
As Narok County continues to experience the benefits of the AMREF WASH programme, there is hope that similar projects will be expanded to reach additional communities in need. The progress made through this programme serves as a beacon of positive change, illustrating the effectiveness of strategic support in transforming lives and promoting better health and education outcomes.
In summary, the AMREF WASH programme is making a significant difference in Narok County by addressing critical issues of water, sanitation, and hygiene. The support provided to schools and communities not only improves immediate living conditions but also lays the foundation for long-term positive impact on education and health.
