As World Vision wound its community empowerment operations at Orwa in West Pokot County, community members have a reason to smile because a lot has been achieved courtesy of the organisation.
The World Vision Orwa Area Programme, in West Pokot County concluded its projects after 16 years of existence. The community now emerges stronger, more resilient, and determined to face the future with hope and independence in the region once characterised by remoteness and marginalisation.
The main areas of focus by the organisation have been education, economic empowerment, health, and water access; aspects considered paramount are sustaining life in the region, thus limiting overreliance on external aid.
One of World Vision’s most outstanding impacts in Orwa has been its focus on economic empowerment through supporting smallholder farmers with drought-resistant crop varieties, promoting modern farming techniques, and helping establish savings groups.
World Vision Kenya Board Chair David Githanga shared the organisation’s success in building and rehabilitating schools, providing learning materials, and supporting teachers.
“Our efforts have increased school enrolment by 55 per cent and enhanced the prospects of a better future for young people in the community,” Githanga said.
The impact of education on the community was a key highlight at the event celebrating World Vision’s work under the World Vision Orwa Area Programme, which commenced in October 2008, leaving behind a legacy of transformative community development.
Through the programme, student enrolment has increased by 55 per cent since its inception. As of 2024, 15,082 children (7,698 boys and 7,382 girls) are attending school, up from just 8,304 in 2009.
He attributed the upsurge to the significant investments in school infrastructure, including the construction of 35 classrooms, six dormitories, and the provision of essential furniture to 78 pre-primary centres.
The board chair added that World Vision’s support in school fee subsidies has enabled 835 vulnerable children to enrol in secondary school education, where among them 512 have successfully completed their studies and moved on to tertiary education, while 323 are still continuing with their academic journey.
Githanga revealed that a lot has been achieved on matters of child protection, where 87.5 per cent of boys and girls now report any violations against them feeling safe and optimistic about their future.
“This outcome is as a result of concerted community approach efforts to combat harmful practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and child marriages, which were prevalent in 2009 when the programme commenced,” he explained.
On sanitation, he stated that significant improvements have been recorded, with access to proper sanitation facilities increasing from 4 per cent to 28.4 per cent courtesy of the construction of gender-segregated latrines and handwashing stations in 14 primary schools.
Further, access to clean water has dramatically improved in the Orwa region, rising from 5 per cent in 2009 to 38 per cent in 2024; thus, health and sanitation cannot be overlooked since, through their water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) projects, the organisation has significantly improved access to clean water, promoting better hygiene and reducing waterborne diseases.
“The construction of water supply systems in Chepkondol, Mbara, and Orwa has provided potable water to over 11,000 people, 18,000 livestock, 5 secondary schools, 14 primary schools, and 13 ECDE centres,” said Githanga.
Additionally, he said, through active savings in 28 groups with a collective capital of Sh10 million, parents are now empowered to save, borrow, and make investments in horticultural and bakery businesses.
World Vision Kenya National Director Gilbert Kamanga, reiterated that their mission was to break the vicious cycle of poverty and build resilience in Orwa, an initiative that has since borne fruit among residents.
He noted that they were not closing the programme but celebrating the achievements so far met, and both the National and County Governments should continue the work since a formidable foundation has been laid.
“We have been working with different National and County Governments that have been through addressing the root causes of poverty. Families and community members have been adequately sensitised and empowered, hence both the current and future county and national governments.
“Parents are empowered to save, borrow, and invest in businesses, and women who were divided by resource-based conflict now live in peace with their neighbours,” Kamanga added.
West Pokot Deputy Governor Robert Komolle praised the programme’s holistic approach, noting that it has not only transformed lives but has also created a model for sustainable community development.
He expressed his appreciation, stating, “I have seen firsthand the dedication with which World Vision has approached child protection, education, and water infrastructure. The positive changes are undeniable, and thousands of lives have been touched.”
Komolle appealed to the organisation, in partnership with the county government, to come up with similar programmes in other areas of the county, such as Masol and Kasei wards.
World Vision combated malnutrition and improved maternal and child health through training community health workers, establishing nutrition programmes, and providing essential healthcare services.
This shift has especially empowered women in the region, helping them overcome traditional bottlenecks and establish novel productive ventures.
Those who once relied on gold mining, charcoal burning, and rearing chickens for a livelihood have now turned to baking, honey production, and soap making.
Susan Sitimai, the Treasurer of Lokotio Save for Transformation Self-Help Group, echoed the gratitude towards World Vision, saying the group started with 31 members selling soap in 2016, and thanks to World Vision.
“The soap we make has boosted hygiene and prevented waterborne diseases. Liquid soap is more practical in rural settings as it is stored in containers, unlike bar soap that can be easily lost or chewed by livestock,” she explained.
Evarline Chenangat, a member of the group, shared how their cake baking and selling of money have transformed their lives.
“We use charcoal stoves to bake, but we would love modern ovens to increase our productivity,” she said.
Antonina Lochale, another local woman, highlighted how honey production has changed her life, where they started by saving Sh30,000 every Sunday and now can give loans of Sh10,000 repayable within three months with some interest.
By Richard Muhambe
