Sidian begins phase two of WASH initiative targeting schools in 3 counties

Under the project, the bank donated 10,000-litre water tanks to schools in Turbo and Ainabkoi Constituencies (Uasin Gishu County), Teso South Constituency (Busia County), and Cherangany Constituency (Trans Nzoia County). 

The donation was handed over during a ceremony attended by representatives from the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NGCDF), school heads, and community leaders. Teso South becomes the 1st constituency in Busia County to benefit from this phase of the programme.

Bevelline Langat, head teacher of Kapsoya Comprehensive School in Ainabkoi Subcounty which has nearly 1,000 learners expressed gratitude. 

"We have been struggling with high water bills and unreliable supply. This tank will greatly ease our burden and improve hygiene for our children," she said.

On the other hand, Teso South Member of Parliament Mary Emaase Otucho noted the critical role of water infrastructure in supporting education. 

"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," the MP said.

She highlighted ongoing challenges in the constituency, including schools with unstable structures, children learning under trees, and difficulties accessing reliable water due to the terrain on the slopes of Mount Elgon. 

Sidian Bank's Head of Institutional Banking, Simon Mwangi, said the WASH programme targets schools because of the direct link between clean water, sanitation, and improved learning outcomes. 

"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.