BY EMMANUEL KIPRUTO
Across Kericho County, a growing crisis is unfolding in many public primary schools as persistent water shortages continue to disrupt learning and compromise the wellbeing of thousands of pupils. Despite the county having several community water points drilled in recent years, most schools remain without a functional water supply system. As a result, children some as young as six years old are forced to walk to school carrying bottles and jerricans of water, especially during the harsh dry seasons.
In many schools, the lack of water has become a daily struggle. Pupils start their day already exhausted, having walked long distances with containers that weigh almost as much as their schoolbags. Teachers report that this burden often affects concentration in class, as some children arrive tired, dehydrated, or stressed about how long the water they brought will last throughout the day. For many, the priority becomes rationing their supply instead of focusing on their lessons.
The impact of the water shortage goes far beyond drinking needs. Basic hygiene has become difficult to maintain in classrooms and sanitation blocks. Without water, school latrines cannot be cleaned regularly, handwashing is limited, and dust accumulates quickly during the dry months. Health risks such as diarrheal diseases, skin infections, and poor hygiene habits become a serious concern in such environments. Some schools attempt to buy water from vendors, but the cost is often unsustainable for institutions already operating under tight budgets.
Parents express deep concern about the burden placed on their children. What should be a simple walk to school becomes a daily task of carrying heavy containers, which can be dangerous for younger pupils. Many families note that when water runs out at home, children are unable to take any to school, putting them at an even greater disadvantage. In extreme cases, some pupils miss morning lessons because they are sent to fetch water for classroom use before classes can begin.
The irony of the situation is not lost on community members. While water has been drilled in some locations within Kericho, there is no organized system to convey it to nearby schools. Many believe that with proper coordination between county leadership, education officers, and community water committees, schools could be connected through pipelines, water harvesting systems, or regular delivery programs. The current situation, they argue, reflects a planning gap rather than an absolute lack of water resources.
Education stakeholders warn that the water crisis threatens the overall quality of learning in the county. Without water, schools cannot run feeding programs effectively, maintain clean learning environments, or enforce hygiene standards. The psychological and physical strain placed on students also reduces their academic performance and affects attendance rates.
As dry seasons become more frequent and severe, urgent action is needed to ensure that every school in Kericho County has access to safe, clean, and consistent water. Community leaders, parents, and teachers are calling on the relevant authorities to prioritize this issue, emphasizing that water in schools is not a luxury but it is a fundamental need.
With coordinated investment and long-term planning, the county can end the reliance on children to carry water and create safer, healthier learning spaces for all.
