Britam Foundation to Equip 46 Underserved Schools with Solar-Powered Water Systems
Nairobi, July 15th, 2025 … Britam Foundation has begun rolling out solar-powered water systems in 46 underserved schools across Kenya, advancing its vision to create healthier, climate-resilient learning environments for thousands of children by the end of 2025.
The initiative, implemented in partnership with Davis & Shirtliff, kicks off with the installation of solarized water infrastructure in four schools including Mtakatifu Karoli Lwanga Academy in Machakos, Burguret Primary in Laikipia, and Wang’ata and Gatei Primary Schools in Nyeri County. These schools were identified for their urgent water access challenges and high potential for community impact.
The project forms part of Britam Foundation’s flagship Lea Salama Program, which integrates clean water access, early childhood development, sanitation, and environmental sustainability to strengthen community resilience.
“These projects provide more than infrastructure,” said Catherine Karita, Director, Britam Foundation. “They restore dignity, health, and opportunity to learners who deserve a level playing field. When schools have clean water and power, everything changes—attendance rises, hygiene improves, and futures brighten.”
Edward Davis, Managing Director at Davis & Shirtliff added: “We are proud to collaborate with Britam Foundation on these high-impact projects,” said “Our solar water solutions are designed to be sustainable, scalable, and community-focused—transforming schools into healthier, greener places to learn and grow.”
Each of the four schools tells a story of need, and now, of renewed hope.
- Mtakatifu Karoli Academy Lwanga, Machakos County
Located 69km from Machakos town, the school has struggled with inconsistent water supply. A previously drilled borehole remains non-functional. With 207 learners, the school will now benefit from a solarized borehole system, offering reliable, zero-cost water to support hygiene, attendance, and a planned feeding program. - Burguret Primary School, Laikipia County
With over 700 learners between primary and secondary levels, Burguret’s borehole has been out of service since 2019 due to high iron content. The school has relied entirely on rainwater, affecting hygiene and learning. With 16 acres of unused land and a borehole capable of yielding 64,000 liters per day, the new solar water system unlocks opportunities for irrigation, agroforestry, and future school feeding initiatives. - Wang’ata Primary School, Nyeri County
Situated 58km from Nyeri town, this school has over 300 students and has gone without a functioning borehole since 2005. Previously, it relied on electricity to pump water, but high power bills forced the school to suspend both its internal and community water programs. With solar energy, water access will be restored, and the school plans to line its perimeter with fruit trees to maximize land use and promote nutrition. - Gatei Primary School, Nyeri County
Located 23km from Nyeri town, Gatei’s borehole was drilled in 2019 but was never equipped. The school, with 79 learners, relies on unreliable rainwater harvesting, severely affecting hygiene and the functionality of its parent-supported feeding program. The new solar-powered system will finally operationalize the borehole—improving both school nutrition and agricultural efforts on the school’s 7-acre campus.
This new phase builds on Britam Foundation’s 2024 milestone, which delivered clean water to 21 public schools across 13 counties, positively impacting more than 28,000 students, teachers, and local families. With this momentum, the Foundation is scaling its efforts to reach 46 additional schools in 2025 under the Schools Greening Project—a comprehensive model that brings together solarized boreholes, tree planting, hygiene education, and school development programs.
Access to clean water and electricity remains a significant challenge for many schools in Kenya, particularly in rural and remote areas. According to the presidential working party on education reform, 82% of public primary schools are connected to the national power grid, while 1 in 3 schools in Kenya, still lack access to safe water. The partnership between Britam Foundation and Davis & Shirtliff addresses these gaps by providing sustainable solutions that enhance the learning environment for young children.
“Our approach empowers schools to become self-reliant ecosystems where water, nutrition, climate action, and financial education all reinforce one another,” said Ms Karita.
Beyond restoring water access, the initiative includes financial literacy programs for learners and nearby communities, as well as hygiene education and waste-to-wealth initiatives. It also supports agroforestry and irrigation efforts to boost food security in schools.
Each school will also receive tree seedlings as part of Britam Foundation’s climate action strategy, contributing to its commitment to plant 60 million trees across Africa by 2030 in alignment with Kenya’s national target of 15 billion trees by 2032.
“Every tree we plant is a commitment to future generations,” Karita added. “As Britam celebrates 60 years, we’re not just reflecting on the past—we’re planting for the next 60 years and beyond.”