Water, Sanitation and Digital Learning at the Centre of Garissa School Upgrade

Four new classrooms, an information and communication technology (ICT) centre, and improved water and sanitation facilities are among the planned investments at Garissa School for the Deaf under a KES 12.7 million project aimed at improving learning conditions for children with disabilities.

The project, launched by Airtel Money Kenya through the Airtel Africa Foundation in partnership with ChildFund Kenya, seeks to address infrastructure needs at the school while expanding learners’ access to digital education and essential hygiene facilities.

The investment comes as schools serving learners with disabilities require learning environments that respond to their specific needs, including adequate classroom space, accessible sanitation and opportunities to develop digital skills.

Under the Building Brighter Futures initiative, the four classrooms will help accommodate the school’s growing student population, while the planned ICT centre is expected to give learners greater opportunities to develop digital skills and engage with technology-based learning.

The project will also extend the school’s water pipeline and install an elevated water tank with a storage capacity of 20,000 litres. A 20-point handwashing station and modern ablution blocks, with separate toilet and bathroom facilities for boys and girls, are also planned. Teachers will have access to a separate two-door sanitation facility.

These improvements are intended to strengthen access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services while creating a more conducive environment for learning.

For learners who are deaf, access to appropriate educational resources and supportive teaching environments is particularly important in ensuring meaningful participation in classroom activities. The planned ICT centre could provide additional learning opportunities, although its impact will depend on the availability of suitable digital content, assistive technologies and teachers equipped to support learners’ needs.

“Our commitment to this project goes beyond infrastructure; it is about creating a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and pursue their dreams,” said Bonke Michael, Airtel Money Kenya’s acting managing director.

“We believe that every child deserves access to quality education and the tools they need to realise their full potential,” he added.

Water — Bonke Michael, Airtel Money Kenya’s acting managing director

Infrastructure investment extends across three counties

The Garissa project forms part of the KES 62 million Building Brighter Futures initiative, which is expected to benefit more than 2,000 learners across four public schools in Baringo, Garissa and Wajir counties.

The initiative began in Baringo County, where KES 37 million was allocated to improve learning and WASH infrastructure at Marigat Integrated Day and Boarding Primary School and Marigat Special School for the Visually Impaired.

In Garissa, the investment is expected to support both the physical learning environment and the facilities learners rely on for their daily school activities.

Fatuma Omar, a curriculum support officer for special needs education in Garissa County, said an appropriate learning environment was essential to effective curriculum delivery and learners’ development.

“This is about creating opportunities, promoting inclusion and investing in the future of our learners,” Omar said.

She added that every learner should have the opportunity to reach their full potential through a conducive learning environment.

The partnership between Airtel Money Kenya, the Airtel Africa Foundation and ChildFund Kenya reflects a broader effort to improve education infrastructure and access to essential services in public schools.

However, the long-term value of the investment will depend not only on completing the facilities but also on their maintenance, reliable water supply, availability of learning resources and the school’s capacity to use the new infrastructure effectively.

For Garissa School for the Deaf, the planned classrooms, ICT centre and WASH facilities offer an opportunity to strengthen the learning environment and address practical barriers that can affect learners’ participation in education.

The project’s lasting contribution will ultimately be measured by how effectively these facilities meet learners’ needs and support their access to inclusive, quality education.