Residents of Garashi in Magarini Sub-County, Kilifi County, will now access safe and reliable water after Bupa Global Kenya commissioned a solar-powered community borehole expected to benefit about 11,000 people.
The Garashi Solar Borehole, unveiled on March 16, 2026, provides a sustainable water source through an approximately four-kilometre piped distribution network supplying six community collection points. These include Garashi Centre, Kadongoleni, Mwangaza, Kalongoni, Garashi Health Centre and Garashi Primary School, serving several surrounding villages.
Partnership drives sustainable water access
The project was funded by the Bupa Foundation and implemented in partnership with the Kilifi County Government, with execution support from Griot Impact.
According to county officials, the initiative complements ongoing public investments aimed at improving water access across the region.
Lawrence Mwazogha, Chief Officer for Water and Natural Resources in Kilifi County, said the county has laid more than 478 kilometres of pipeline since 2022 but still faces supply challenges that cause water rationing in several areas.
He welcomed the borehole project, noting that it will provide clean water to schools, health facilities and surrounding communities while encouraging local stewardship of the infrastructure.
Schools and health facilities to benefit
The new installation will directly support Garashi Primary School, which serves around 710 pupils, and Garashi Health Centre, a key provider of primary healthcare services in the area.
Reliable water access is expected to improve sanitation at the school and strengthen infection prevention at the health facility, particularly for maternal and child health services. Previously, the health centre relied on water delivered by bowsers, creating supply uncertainties and additional costs.
Reducing the burden on women and girls
For many residents, water has long been sourced from seasonal rivers, shallow wells and hand-dug pans—often unsafe and unreliable.
The new borehole provides a safer alternative while reducing the time spent collecting water, a task that largely falls on women and girls. Improved access is also expected to support local economic activity and strengthen community resilience during dry seasons.
Part of broader goal to reach 100,000 people
Speaking during the launch, Bupa Global Kenya CEO and Principal Officer Uditha Jayaratne said the project reflects the organisation’s commitment to long-term community partnerships.
He noted that the Garashi borehole builds on three previous installations across Kilifi County that have already enabled more than 33,000 residents to access clean and safe water.
“With this fourth project, we are moving closer to our ambition of expanding clean water access to 100,000 people by 2028,” Jayaratne said.
Community-led sustainability model
To ensure sustainability, the system will be maintained through a structured operations and maintenance programme run by Griot Impact. The programme includes preventive maintenance, system monitoring and rapid response mechanisms to safeguard continuous water supply.
Local residents will also receive training to manage and maintain the infrastructure, strengthening community ownership and long-term resilience.
Kenya positioned as regional hub
Since establishing operations under its own licence in Kenya, Bupa Global Kenya has positioned the country as a strategic hub for its Africa expansion plans.
Beyond water access initiatives, the company is advancing preventative health programmes that focus on community education and early intervention, aligning with its global mission of helping people live longer, healthier and happier lives while contributing to a better world.