Three learning institutions in Mwea East Constituency have received a major boost after the rehabilitation of stalled solar-powered boreholes restored access to clean and safe water amid a deepening drought in the area.
The beneficiaries—Ndindiruku Primary School, Ciagini Primary School, Ciagini Mixed Secondary School, and the Gatuiri Community Borehole serving residents of Tebere and Wamumu wards in Kirinyaga County—had endured more than three years without reliable water supply after the boreholes became non-functional.
The semi-arid lower parts of Mwea have in recent months experienced acute water shortages due to prolonged dry spells that have left key water sources dry and irrigation canals nearly empty. The situation forced schools and households to rely on unsafe water sources or incur high costs purchasing water for domestic use.
The rehabilitation project was sponsored by Wangui Ngirici, Chairperson of Kenya Seed Company, as part of efforts to enhance access to clean water for learners and surrounding communities.
Speaking during the commissioning of the projects, Ngirici challenged both the National Government and Kirinyaga County Government to implement long-term and sustainable water programmes to address perennial shortages in Mwea Constituency. She called for the construction of a major dam and the establishment of additional water pans to harvest and store water during the rainy season to cushion residents against drought.
“Currently there is drought, no rain, and even the canals are almost empty. Both the County and National governments should ensure there are water pans in various sections to allow residents access to water,” she said, reaffirming her commitment to supporting initiatives ensuring all residents of Kirinyaga County have clean and safe water.
Ciagini Primary School headteacher Justus Muthambi noted that the prolonged water shortage posed serious health risks to learners, forcing the school to purchase drinking water to protect pupils from waterborne diseases. Ndindiruku Primary School headteacher Ann Ngîchiri said the institution had endured years of hardship after the borehole system broke down, disrupting learning and sanitation programmes.
Parent David Mugo Musyoka welcomed the rehabilitation, stating that a reliable water supply would significantly improve hygiene and sanitation standards. He disclosed that the National Government had drilled the borehole in 2021, but it operated for only one year before the motor and pump malfunctioned. “With the replacement, pupils will no longer be forced to carry water from their homes,” he said.
Another parent, Lydia Wambui, lauded Ngirici for supporting efforts to revive the stalled boreholes, saying the restoration provides major relief to the community, which had relied on a nearby stream that may not be safe for domestic use.
The restored solar-powered boreholes are expected to provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution to water scarcity in the affected schools and surrounding villages, significantly improving learning conditions and public health outcomes in Mwea East.
by Mutai Kipng’etich
