At least 1,500 learners in Marigat, Baringo County, are set to benefit from a KES 37 million investment aimed at improving learning facilities, water access, and sanitation in two schools.
The project, dubbed Building Brighter Futures, is being implemented by Airtel Money Kenya through the Airtel Africa Foundation in partnership with ChildFund. It targets learners at Marigat Integrated Day and Boarding Primary School and Marigat Special School for the Visually Impaired.
The initiative will deliver a range of education and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure across the two institutions.
The planned works include construction of 13 classrooms and 29 toilets, renovation of a library, installation of a fully equipped ICT laboratory, and construction of a boys’ dormitory. The project will also establish a 30-point handwashing station to improve hygiene standards within the schools.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Airtel Money Kenya Acting Managing Director Bonke Michael said the investment was designed to address practical challenges that can prevent learners from fully benefiting from education.
“At Airtel Money, we understand the importance of creating access and opportunity, and that commitment extends beyond financial services to supporting the communities we serve,” Michael said.
He added that the project would help learners spend more time concentrating on their education and personal development by addressing some of the challenges facing the local community.
Water access will also be strengthened through pipeline extensions, solar-powered water pumps and additional water storage facilities. The schools will further receive gender-segregated and disability-friendly sanitation facilities, alongside improved handwashing infrastructure.
The investment comes against the backdrop of persistent water access challenges in Baringo County, where nearly 80 per cent of the county is classified as arid and semi-arid land.
The county government has set a target of increasing average water access in the county to 52 per cent by the end of 2027.
Airtel Kenya Managing Director Djibril Tobe said the project reflects the company’s broader commitment to education, digital inclusion and youth development.
“In Marigat, we are bringing these priorities to life by investing in better learning environments, water and sanitation, as well as ICT facilities, devices and connectivity,” Tobe said.
He said the investment would provide learners and teachers with tools to access information, develop digital skills and prepare for future opportunities.
ChildFund Kenya Programs and Sponsorship Director Eric Oyoo said the partnership would help remove barriers that limit children’s access to quality education, particularly those living with disabilities.
He said improving infrastructure, water, sanitation and digital resources would create safer and more inclusive learning environments.
The Marigat project forms part of a wider partnership between Airtel Money Kenya, the Airtel Africa Foundation and ChildFund that is expected to benefit more than 2,000 learners across four public schools in Baringo, Wajir and Garissa counties.
In Garissa, the programme will support Garissa School for the Deaf, while in Wajir, Catholic Integrated Primary and Junior School will benefit from the initiative.
The partners said the investments are intended to create lasting improvements in education, WASH services, and digital access for learners in underserved communities.