Participants during World Vision Kenya's Less Steps for Water Run on June 13, 2026. /HANDOUT
Hundreds of runners, cyclists, corporate partners, staff, children and supporters gathered at World Vision Kenya’s Karen office for the 2026 Less Steps for Water Run.
The event aimed to raise awareness and mobilise support for a water project expected to transform access to safe water in Lower Yatta, Kitui County.
The annual initiative focuses on reducing the burden faced by children and families who walk more than six kilometres every day in search of water.
Funds raised this year will support the implementation of the proposed Kithiani Water Project, which is expected to serve about 1,200 community members and 500 pupils from Kithiani and Kyoani primary schools.
The event attracted partners from different sectors, including Jambojet, ABSA Bank Kenya, Washlab, Norwa Water Africa, Ngong Hills Hotel, Gig Dynamics, Tsavo Real Estate, Eka Hotel and Ridge Cabin Resort.
They joined World Vision Kenya in advocating for access to clean water as a foundation for children’s education, health and protection.
Participants during World Vision Kenya's Less Steps for Water Run on June 13, 2026. /HANDOUT
Speaking during the event, World Vision Kenya Interim National Director Gershon Mwakazi said access to clean water remains one of the most effective investments in children’s wellbeing.
"Every day, children in Lower YaHa spend hours searching for water instead of being in school, studying or enjoying their childhood. Through the second edition of the Less Steps for Water Run, we are taking collective action to change that reality and bring safe water closer to homes, schools and communities that need it the most."
ABSA Bank Kenya Chief People Officer Mumbi Kahindo reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting sustainable community solutions.
“At Absa, we recognise that access to clean and safe water plays a vital role in improving health outcomes and keeping children in school. Through the Absa Kenya Foundation and our Corporate and Investment Banking, we are partnering with World Vision Kenya to support sustainable solutions like the Kithiani Water Project. This is one of the ways we continue to empower the livelihoods of the communities we serve.”
Participants during World Vision Kenya's Less Steps for Water Run on June 13, 2026. /HANDOUT
The Kithiani Water Project will be implemented in Kiseuni Sub-Location, where most residents currently depend on shallow wells along River Tiva for daily water needs.
The project 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 schools, markets and surrounding communities.
The water points will be located at Kithiani Market, Kyoani Market, Kithiani Primary School, Kyoani Primary School and a central community point between Kithiani and Kyoani.
The project is expected to reduce the time women and children spend fetching water while improving access to safe drinking water and creating better learning conditions for school-going children.
Participants during World Vision Kenya's Less Steps for Water Run on June 13, 2026. /HANDOUT
The County Government of Kitui has committed Sh3 million towards pipeline extensions and construction of water points through its 2026/27 budget, highlighting the role of partnership in addressing water challenges in vulnerable areas.
Among those expected to benefit is 13-year-old Veronica Katunge, a Grade 7 pupil at Kithiani Primary School.
"If we had clean water nearby, I'd get to school on time. I'd have more time to study, and I wouldn't be this tired every day," she says.
The Less Steps for Water Run builds on last year’s edition, which supported piped water to more than 350 households and three schools in Salgaa, Nakuru County, reaching over 4,600 people.
World Vision Kenya expressed gratitude to participants, sponsors and partners. The event raised Sh5 million towards the Kithiani Water Project, aimed at bringing safe water closer to families and ensuring children spend less time searching for water and more time learning and growing.
Participants during World Vision Kenya's Less Steps for Water Run on June 13, 2026. /HANDOUT
Participant during World Vision Kenya's Less Steps for Water Run on June 13, 2026. /HANDOUT
Participants during World Vision Kenya's Less Steps for Water Run on June 13, 2026. /HANDOUT
