St. Patrick’s Secondary School Ofafa students, and the neighbouring Maringo Ward communities in Makadara Constituency, Nairobi, will now have access to clean and safe water following the commissioning of a water and sanitation project fully funded by the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Foundation.

The borehole is equipped with essential features including solar powered systems, pumping and piping installations, a water tower and storage tanks, ensuring a reliable supply of water for the school and its surrounding community with a population of approximately 25,000 persons.

Speaking when commissioning the project, KPC Managing Director & KPC Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman, Joe Sang, pointed out the Foundation’s dedication to improving the quality of life for the communities within which KPC operates through enhancing access to essential resources.

‘‘Today, Kenya’s water supply and sanitation is characterized by low levels of access especially in the urban slums and rural areas. Studies indicate that 15 million people in Kenya lack access to safe water. These statistics pose a challenge to each one of us to play our part in conserving our water catchment areas and use the resource responsibly,” Sang said.

He added: “The KPC Foundation has today marked a significant milestone in its commitment to enhancing access to clean water for grassroots communities through commissioning a water project at St. Patrick’s Secondary School Ofafa. I am confident the water project will enhance the well-being and hygiene of the students as well as serve as a watering point for the community around here.’’

Also present at the commissioning event was Maringo Area Member of County Assembly (MCA), Patrick Mwangi Macharia, who lauded the KPC Foundation team for addressing the decades-long water scarcity challenges experienced in Maringo area.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to KPC Foundation for their efforts in alleviating the longstanding water scarcity issue in this area. The new borehole will bring about a transformative change… improving the quality of life for everyone in the area” he said.

“Access to clean, tapped water will significantly enhance the school’s hygiene standards and improve the well-being of our students. The water will also be channeled to the wider community, resulting in substantial savings on water purchases,” he added.

KPC Foundation funded the KSh. 3 Million project as part of its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) strategy aimed at empowering beneficiaries in the country in three key thematic areas; education, health, and water & sanitation.

The three-week project commenced in July 2024, and is the fourth water project undertaken by the KPC Foundation, following successful water projects in Meru, Kajiado, and Nairobi Counties.

KPC Foundation has also acquired a new borehole drilling rig, to enhance operational efficiency as it is a cost-effective measure to empower more communities to access clean water.

KPC Foundation has incorporated long-term sustainability measures, including environmental conservation activities such as tree planting with a view to protect water catchment areas and promote responsible usage of water.

The Foundation’s projects are aligned with Sustainable Development Goal No. 6, which aims to ensure universal access to safe and sustainable water management by 2030.