Hundreds join World Vision Kenya's Less Steps for Water Run

Hundreds of runners, cyclists, corporate partners, staff, children and supporters came together on Saturday at World Vision Kenya's Karen office for the 2026 Less Steps for Water Run, raising awareness and mobilising support for a new water project that will transform access to safe water for communities in Lower Yatta, Kitui County.

The annual initiative seeks to reduce the burden faced by children and families who walk over 6 Kms every day in search of water.

Funds raised through this year's run will support the implementation of the proposed Kithiani Water Project, which will provide safe, clean water to approximately 1,200 community members and 500 pupils from Kithiani and Kyoani primary schools.

The morning event attracted supporters across different sectors, including corporate partners Jambojet, ABSA Bank Kenya, Washlab, Norwa Water Africa, Ngong Hills Hotel, Gig Dynamics, Tsavo Real Estate, Eka Hotel and the Ridge Cabin Resort who joined World Vision Kenya in championing access to water as a critical foundation for children's education, health and protection.

Speaking during the event, World Vision Kenya's Interim National Director Gershon Mwakazi said that access to clean water remains one of the most effective investments in children's wellbeing.

"Every day, children in Lower Yatta spend hours searching for water instead of being in school, studying or enjoying their childhood. Through the second edition of the Less Steps for Water Run, we are taking collective action to change that reality and bring safe water closer to homes, schools and communities that need it the most."

Speaking during the event, Mumbi Kahindo, Chief People Officer at Absa Bank Kenya, reaffirmed the bank's commitment to driving sustainable community impact through partnerships that improve access to essential services.

"At Absa, we recognise that access to clean and safe water plays a vital role in improving health outcomes and keeping children in school. Through the Absa Kenya Foundation, and our Corporate and Investment Banking we are partnering with World Vision Kenya to support sustainable solutions like the Kithiani Water Project. This is one of the ways we continue to empower livelihoods of the communities we serve."

The Kithiani Water Project will be implemented in Kiseuni Sublocation, an area where most residents currently depend on shallow wells along River Tiva for their daily water needs.

The project will include the construction of a solar-powered sump well, a 15-metre water tower (absa) Jambojet World Vision KENYA with 20,000-litre storage capacity, pipeline extensions and five water points serving schools, markets and surrounding communities.

Once completed, the project will provide water at Kithiani Market, Kyoani Market, Kithiani Primary School, Kyoani Primary School and a community water point between Kithiani and Kyoani

The project is expected to significantly reduce the time women and children spend fetching water while improving access to safe drinking water and creating a more conducive learning environment for school-going children.

The County Government of Kitui has committed 3 million Kshs towards pipeline extensions and construction of water points through its $2026/27$ budget, demonstrating the importance of partnership in addressing water challenges in vulnerable communities.

Among the children who stand to benefit is 13-year-old Veronica Katunge, a Grade 7 pupil at Kithiani Primary School, who currently walks six kilometres to River Tiva every morning before school and again in the evening to fetch water for her family.

"If we had clean water nearby, I'd get to school on time. I'd have more time to study and I wouldn't be this tired every day," she says.

The Less Steps for Water Run builds on the success of last year's initiative, which helped bring piped water to more than 350 households and three schools in Salgaa, Nakuru County, potentially reaching over 4,600 people.

World Vision Kenya expressed gratitude to all participants, sponsors, partners and supporters whose contributions helped raise 5 million kshs towards the Kithiani Water Project, bringing safe water closer to children and families and ensuring children spend less time searching for water and more time learning, growing and achieving their potential.