Sh93m water and solar boost for 285,000 Kenyans
Enterprise
By
Nanjinia Wamuswa
| Apr 29, 2025
More than 285,000 Kenyans – including 83,000 school children have benefited from water and energy solutions provider Davis & Shirtliff under its ‘Improving Lives’ initiative.
Over the past year, the company has implemented 124 water and solar projects worth over Sh93 million across over 31 counties.
The projects, implemented in partnership with key stakeholders, address the pressing challenges of water and energy insecurity caused by climate change. “Climate change is causing widespread disruption, making access to water and energy even more critical. Tackling this challenge requires strong partnerships and innovative approaches, leveraging both for-profit and non-profit expertise to drive real impact,” said Davis & Shirtliff chief executive, George Mbugua.
To counter these challenges, the ‘Improving Lives’ initiative prioritised solar energy, powering 93 of its projects with clean, sustainable energy solutions. A key milestone in 2024 was the conversion of 35 handpumps into solar-powered systems, ensuring a reliable and low-maintenance water supply for schools and communities.
The transition boosts efficiency, reduces time spent at wells, and guarantees continuous water access. This impactful programme will continue into 2025 targeting to replace many more installations. In collaboration with the Britam Foundation, D&S Improving Lives rehabilitated boreholes and installed solar-powered pumps in 21 primary schools across 13 counties, including Bungoma, Kajiado, Kisumu, and West Pokot.
With one in three schools in Kenya lacking safe water access, this initiative is bridging the gap by providing sustainable solutions that enhance learning environments while cutting operational costs. Together with the Lavington Eco Rotary Club and Acacia Moyo, D&S Improving Lives installed a solar-powered borehole at Empakasi Primary School, benefiting pupils and the surrounding community.
The D&S initiative, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Laikipia Highlanders, installed a solar-powered 4kw Dayliff borehole pump in , Isiolo’s Gambela, delivering 21,000 litres of water per hour. In partnership with ChildFund and DuPont, the firm commissioned a water filtration treatment plant in Homa Bay County.
“Through sustainable innovations and strategic alliances, D&S continues to make clean water and renewable energy accessible to those who need it most,” said Mbugua.
Since 2018, the ‘Improving Lives’ initiative has implemented over 760 projects, benefiting more than 1.5 million people.