Water for Kenya

Safe water and sanitation for students in Kenya

In rural and semi-urban areas of Kenya, many schools face alarming rates of absenteeism caused by waterborne diseases and inadequate sanitation. Students often lack access to safe drinking water, functional latrines, and handwashing facilities, while young women struggle with menstrual health management (MHM) in school environments that do not meet their needs. These challenges undermine children’s health, safety, dignity, and academic performance.

Xylem Watermark is partnering with WaterStep, an organization with a decade-long presence in Kenya that empowers communities with tools and knowledge to meet their own water and sanitation needs. Together, we will bring safe water, rehabilitated sanitation facilities, disinfectant solutions, and hygiene education to two schools: Nyalik Primary School in Kisumu County and Oolekasasi Primary School in Kajiado County.

Xylem solution

• Provide safe drinking water through chlorine generators, storage tanks, and water transport tools
• Install and repair latrines to ensure safe, well-maintained facilities for boys, girls, staff, and visitors
• Introduce BleachMakers for surface disinfection to maintain hygiene in classrooms and latrines
• Implement a Menstrual Health Management (MHM) program, including reusable pad distribution and awareness sessions

Beneficiaries: 2,000