Introduction
In Kajiado County, water is life — yet for many schools and communities, it remains one of
the scarcest resources.
During the long dry months, learners walk miles in search of water, classes are disrupted, and hygiene standards decline. But with a changing climate and shrinking natural sources, one solution is proving to be both simple and transformative: rainwater harvesting. That’s why VONEK has launched a new partnership initiative to support schools in Kajiado county to install rainwater harvesting systems — in collaboration with well-wishers, philanthropists, and local community champions.
THE CHALLENGE: THIRST IN THE CLASSROOM
Kajiado is among Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties, receiving an average annual rainfall of 500–800 mm, mostly between March–May and October–December. Unfortunately, much of that rainwater is lost as surface runoff because of limited infrastructure for collection and storage. In rural schools across Kajiado, water scarcity affects both learning and well-being. Studies indicate that up to 60% of schools in ASAL counties lack reliable access to water, forcing learners to carry jerricans from home or miss school during droughts. Girls are particularly affected — without water for sanitation, absenteeism increases during menstruation, leading to longterm learning gaps. Water scarcity also impacts hygiene, nutrition, and concentration levels. When children are thirsty, tired, or anxious about water, learning becomes a struggle.
THE SOLUTION: CAPTURING RAIN, EMPOWERING SCHOOLS
VONEK’s new initiative is built on one powerful idea: “Every drop counts.” By capturing and storing rainwater from rooftops, schools can create a sustainable water source that supports learners year-round.
Each participating school receives:
- Water storage and purification training for teachers and pupils
- Awareness sessions on hygiene, sanitation, and environmental conservation
- Community engagement to ensure long-term maintenance
This approach turns schools into centers of water resilience, benefiting not just students but also surrounding households that rely on them during dry spells.
THE IMPACT: EDUCATION FLOWS WHERE WATER FLOWS
Water harvesting has a proven impact across multiple levels:
| Area of Impact | Result |
| Attendance & Retention | Reliable water reduces absenteeism — schools with water see up to 20% higher attendance, especially among girls. |
| Health & Hygiene | Clean water cuts down cases of diarrhoea and waterborne diseases, improving learners’ focus and well-being. |
| School Feeding & Gardens | Stored water supports school gardens, providing vegetables for feeding programs and nutrition lessons. |
| Community Resilience | Neighbouring families benefit from shared access, reducing household stress and strengthening local cooperation. |
As one headteacher in Kajiado put it:
“When the tank fills, our children smile. They wash, they drink, and they stay in class. That one tank has changed our entire school.”
WHY IT’S A WORTHY INVESTMENT
According to Kenya’s Ministry of Water and Sanitation, rainwater harvesting can meet up to
60% of school water needs in semi-arid zones if properly implemented. A 10,000-litre tank can sustain a school of 300–400 pupils for several weeks, reducing reliance on costly water trucking. Moreover, the systems are low-maintenance and community-friendly — once installed, they provide lasting benefits at minimal recurring cost. Every shilling invested yields exponential returns in health, attendance, and dignity.
VONEK’S CALL TO ACTION: PARTNER WITH US
VONEK believes that no child should skip school because of thirst. Through our Water for Education – Kajiado Initiative, we aim to equip at least 20 schools with complete rainwater harvesting systems by the end of next year. We are inviting:
- Philanthropists, foundations, and corporate CSR partners to sponsor tanks, gutters, and installation.
- Churches, alumni associations, and well-wishers to “adopt a school” for water resilience.
- Local artisans and youth groups to participate in building and maintaining these systems. Together, we can make every school in Kajiado a model of dignity, health, and sustainability.
“WHEN WE HARVEST RAIN, WE HARVEST HOPE.”
Clean water keeps children in class, keeps communities healthy, and keeps hope alive — one tank at a time. Join hands with VONEK today to help transform Kajiado’s schools through rainwater harvesting