(L-R) Airtel Money Kenya Acting MD Bonke Michael, Marigat Special School for the Visually Impaired Headteacher George Lekumbe, Baringo South Director of Education Everlyn Ketter, Marigat Integrated Primary Head of Institution Geoffrey Chepkuto & ChildFund Kenya Programs & Sponsorship Director Eric Oyoo during the groundbreaking of a KES 37 million learning, water and sanitation infrastructure project at Marigat Integrated Day & Boarding Primary School and Marigat Special School for the Visually Impaired in Baringo County./PHOTO; Courtesy
More than 2,000 learners across Baringo, Wajir and Garissa counties, including children living with disabilities, are set to benefit from a partnership between ChildFund and the Airtel Africa Foundation to improve learning environments and access to essential school facilities.
The Building Brighter Futures initiative is being launched in Marigat, Baringo County, where a KES 37 million investment will support Marigat Integrated Day and Boarding Primary School and Marigat Special School for the Visually Impaired, reaching about 1,500 learners.
The project will provide 13 classrooms, 29 toilets, an ICT lab, a renovated library, a boys’ dormitory and a 30-point handwashing station.
Water access will be strengthened through pipeline extensions, solar-powered pumps and storage facilities, while sanitation facilities will be gender-segregated and disability-friendly.
The wider partnership will also support Garissa School for the Deaf and Catholic Integrated Primary and Junior School in Wajir, extending the focus to learners with different accessibility needs.
“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,” said Bonke Michael, Acting Managing Director of Airtel Money Kenya.
For ChildFund, improving infrastructure in schools serving children with disabilities is part of creating more inclusive learning environments.
“At ChildFund, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment,” said Eric Oyoo, ChildFund Kenya Programs and Sponsorship Director.
The partnership will combine infrastructure improvements with ICT facilities, devices and connectivity, giving learners and teachers access to resources that can support learning and digital skills.
The investment also responds to basic infrastructure challenges in the targeted communities, including water access in Baringo, where nearly 80% of the county is classified as arid and semi-arid land.
