By Eddah Waithaka
Hundreds of runners, cyclists, corporate partners, staff, children, and supporters flooded World Vision Kenya’s Karen office today for the 2026 Less Steps for Water Run. They lace up their sneakers, hop on bikes, and raise their voices, all to transform access to safe water for communities in Lower Yatta, Kitui County.
This annual initiative tackles a harsh reality, children and families currently walk over six kilometers every day just to find water. Today’s event changes that equation. Funds raised now totaling 5 million Ksh, will directly support the proposed Kithiani Water Project, bringing safe, clean water to approximately 1,200 community members and 500 pupils from Kithiani and Kyoani primary schools.
Corporate partners join the movement in force. Jambojet, ABSA Bank Kenya, Washlab, Norwa Water Africa, Ngong Hills Hotel, Gig Dynamics, Tsavo Real Estate, Eka Hotel, and the Ridge Cabin Resort all stand alongside World Vision Kenya. They champion water access as a critical foundation for children’s education, health, and protection.
“Every day, children in Lower Yatta spend hours searching for water instead of being in school, studying or enjoying their childhood,” says Gershon Mwakazi, World Vision Kenya’s Interim National Director. “Through the second edition of the Less Steps for Water Run, we take collective action to change that reality and bring safe water closer to homes, schools and communities that need it the most.”
Mumbi Kahindo, Chief People Officer at ABSA Bank Kenya, reaffirms the bank’s commitment to driving sustainable impact. “At Absa, we recognise that access to clean and safe water plays a vital role in improving health outcomes and keeping children in school,” Kahindo says. “Through the Absa Kenya Foundation, and our Corporate and Investment Banking, we partner with World Vision Kenya to support sustainable solutions like the Kithiani Water Project. This empowers the livelihoods of the communities we serve.”
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The Kithiani Water Project will rise in Kiseuni Sublocation, where most residents currently depend on shallow wells along River Tiva. Construction will include a solar-powered sump well, a 15-metre water tower with 20,000-litre storage capacity, pipeline extensions, and five water points serving:
· Kithiani Market
· Kyoani Market
· Kithiani Primary School
· Kyoani Primary School
· A community water point between Kithiani and Kyoani
Once completed, the project slashes the time women and children spend fetching water. It delivers safe drinking water and creates a conducive learning environment for school-going children.
The County Government of Kitui steps up as well, committing 3 million Kshs toward pipeline extensions and water point construction through its 2026/27 budget. This partnership demonstrates how collective action tackles water challenges in vulnerable communities.
Meet 13-year-old Veronica Katunge, a Grade 7 pupil at Kithiani Primary School. She currently walks six kilometers 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,” Veronica says. “I’d have more time to study and I wouldn’t be this tired every day.”
This year’s 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 thanks every participant, sponsor, partner, and supporter. Their contributions bring safe water closer to children and families, ensuring children spend less time searching for water and more time learning, growing, and achieving their potential.
