World Vision Kenya Event in Nairobi Spotlights Severe Water Shortage Facing Kitui Communities
Section of participants during the fundraising ,running to champion the help towards Kitui County,Lower Yatta.
Nairobi, Saturday,June 12,2026, – A charity walk held in Nairobi by World Vision Kenya has brought renewed attention to the severe water shortage affecting communities in Kitui County, where residents of Lower Yatta continue to walk long distances in search of clean and safe water.
The annual Less Steps for Water Run 2026, organized by World Vision Kenya, featured 6-kilometre and 10-kilometre races designed to highlight the daily burden faced by children who often miss school while fetching water for their families.
A key example of the crisis is 13-year-old Veronica from Kithiani Village in Lower Yatta, who wakes up at 5 a.m. and walks nearly six kilometres to River Tiva to collect water, a routine that frequently affects her education and study time.
Lower Yatta hosts more than 25,000 residents, including over 9,000 children, yet only a small proportion of households have water access within their compounds, forcing many families to depend on rivers as their primary source.
Speaking during the event, World Vision Kenya Board Chair David Githanga said the burden of water collection exposes children to multiple risks beyond health challenges.
“It is not just about health. Children walking long distances to fetch water face dangers including insecurity, dangerous rivers and harsh environments. Water is also about protection,” he said.
Interim National Director Gerson Mwakazi said access to water remains central to dignity and public health.
“Water is very important. It gives us dignity. It is one of the most important public health interventions, while also protecting the girl child who largely carries the burden of fetching water,” he said.
World Vision Kenya Resource Acquisition and Management Director Lilian Magneto said the initiative has been running for more than a decade and continues to expand.
“Next year we are looking at having more people coming on board. Beyond the walk, we are considering cycling activities and we hope even to get to 21 kilometres. Every year we want to make sure we get to another level,” she said.
ABSA Bank Director James Agai said the institution supported the initiative due to its alignment with community impact goals.
“We came in as part of it because we are fully aligned to the purpose of water. We believe in the same purpose and therefore gave our full support to make sure this becomes a success,” he said.
The planned intervention in Lower Yatta includes development of a protected River Tiva water source, installation of a solar-powered pumping system and establishment of water access points for schools and surrounding communities.
