EAST AFRICAN BREWERIES LIMITED KSH 7.5 MILLION PROJECT TO ALLEVIATE WATER SHORTAGE AT NGARA GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL

East African Breweries Limited (EABL) Foundation has funded a vital water project at Ngara Girls High School, which will benefit over 1,500 individuals, including 1400 students, 85 teachers, 45 support staff, and 55 dependents.

The foundation invested KES 7.5 million in the project, which involved drilling a borehole, installing a 12-meter-high steel tank, and a solar-powered pump. These efforts have provided the school community with a dependable and necessary water resource.

Before the project’s implementation, Ngara Girls High School struggled with a severe water scarcity problem due to the lack of a reliable water source. The school solely relied on piped water which was only available two days a week.

Under the Water for Life banner, the EABL Foundation is implementing a series of community-based water projects aimed at providing a safe, reliable, and sustainable water supply to communities across East Africa.

“The successful completion of this project marks a significant milestone in EABL Foundation’s dedication to supporting local communities and underscores its commitment to community development and empowerment. Our commitment is to continue to improve access to clean water, hygiene, and sanitation in the communities where we operate,” said EABL Foundation Chairperson Carol Musyoka.

The project, which yields 10m³ per hour, ensures a consistent and reliable water supply, effectively addressing the challenges posed by irregular piped water rationing, reducing the community’s dependence on external sources, and enabling them to enjoy a consistent water supply.

“Water scarcity significantly impacted the school’s daily operations, making menstrual hygiene management particularly challenging, especially in an all-girls school setting. This water project will have a tremendous impact on the Ngara Girls High School community, improving sanitation, hygiene, and general well-being,” said the school’s principal, Dr Beatrice Ndiga.

EABL Foundation has placed a strong emphasis on enhancing access to water and has made significant investments in improving clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in communities. Their efforts have positively impacted the lives of over 2.5 million people across the region.

Most recently, the EABL Foundation, in collaboration with Care International, introduced a Gender Inclusion in WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) program. This initiative is designed to enhance female representation in leadership positions within water project committees, starting with a pilot project in Ujimbe Village, Siaya County. As an integral part of this program, gender training sessions will be integrated into all future community water projects.

In Kenya, the Foundation has so far commissioned over 70 community water projects in areas such as Ndhiwa, Magunga, and Okiki Amayo in Homa Bay; Ujimbe in Siaya; Lukume in Kakamega; Olembo in Kisumu; Kiranga in Murang’a, Jangwani in Nairobi, and ILBissil Secondary in Kajiado, among other locations.