Schools in Kakamega County will now be supplied with purification machines in a quest to reduce the consumption of unsafe water.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa said the county will collaborate with the national government and other stakeholders to improve sanitation in learning institutions.
"I have directed the County Executive Committee member in charge of public health to ensure that we have purification machines in public schools," Barasa said.
The governor spoke during the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega Education Day at Bulimbo Girls in Matungu Sub County.
Barasa emphasized that the county is committed to ensuring the health of students and residents by protecting them from infections.
"I challenge all schools to practice good sanitation. Let us be at the forefront of prevention and maintain high standards of cleanliness," he said.
The tragedy at Mukumu Girls led to the demise of three students and one teacher, prompting stakeholders to review measures to curb future instances.
Water and Sanitation Chief Officer Jessica Wesonga noted that schools will be supplied with clean water from designated county water sources.
"To ensure there is clean and safe water, we are installing roof catchment systems in schools using plastic and ferrocement tanks," Wesonga said.
She added that the Water and Sanitation Department is undertaking last-mile connectivity of schools within the water schemes.
"We are also engaging partners who are drilling and equipping boreholes in learning institutions," she added.
Grace Opili, Principal of Bulimbo Girls School, welcomed the county's initiative to install purification machines in learning institutions.
"In our school, we have drilled for water, but how safe is it? However, with the purification machines, we can be sure that our students and staff are consuming safe water," Opili said.
She added that the availability of water in schools improves general hygiene and sanitation.
