Unsafe drinking water has been cited as a major cause of absenteeism among ECDE pupils in Trans Nzoia County, with many children missing classes due to waterborne diseases.

Speaaking during a consultative meeting with officials from Lifestraw, suppliers of water purification equipment at the County Headquarters on Friday Trans Nzoia Secretary Truphosa Amere said the government is keen on partnering with the organization to install purification facilities across ECDE schools. “We want our children to drink clean and safe water. This will improve their health, well-being, and learning environment,” she said.

CEC for Education and Vocational Training, Janerose Nasimiyu Mutama, echoed the commitment, noting that many schools in remote areas lack access to tap water. “This partnership will go a long way in ensuring our children get safe drinking water while in school. It has been a big challenge, especially for ECDE centres in rural areas,” she explained.

The meeting was also attended by Roads and Public Works CEC Gideon Barongo, Gender, Sports, Culture and Tourism CEC Eliud Tormoi, and Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change CEC Robert Wamalwa. They emphasized the need for collective action. “Clean water means healthy learners, and healthy learners mean a brighter future. We must work together to achieve this,” said Wamalwa.

The initiative, once rolled out, is expected to reduce absenteeism, improve learning outcomes, and safeguard the welfare of young learners across Trans Nzoia County.