Bupa Global Kenya has opened a new borehole in Kilifi County, bringing clean and reliable water closer to about 11,000 people in Garashi, Magarini Sub-County.
The project, which is the company’s fourth in the area, is part of its wider plan to improve access to clean water and support community health.
The solar-powered borehole was funded by the Bupa Foundation and set up in partnership with the Kilifi County Government, with support from Griot Impact. It includes a water system that distributes water across several points, including Garashi Centre, Kadongoleni, Mwangaza, Kalongoni, Garashi Health Centre and Garashi Primary School.
For many years, residents in this area have depended on rivers and shallow wells, which often dry up or are not safe for use. The new borehole is expected to ease that pressure and provide a more reliable source of clean water.
Speaking during the launch, Kilifi County Chief Officer for Water and Natural Resources, Lawrence Mwazogha, welcomed the project and said it comes at a time when some areas still face water shortages.
“Since 2022, the County Government of Kilifi has invested significantly in expanding water access, laying more than 478 kilometres of pipeline across the county. However, despite this progress, many communities still experience water rationing due to a range of supply challenges. Today, we are grateful to Bupa Global Kenya for stepping forward to support our people through this borehole project. Not only does it provide clean water to key institutions such as schools and health facilities, but it also reflects a thoughtful approach to sustainability by empowering the local community to steward and manage the system for the long term,” he said.
The project will directly support Garashi Primary School, which has about 710 pupils, as well as Garashi Health Centre, which serves the wider community.
Access to clean water is expected to improve hygiene in the school and support better healthcare services at the facility. Previously, the health centre relied on buying water, which was both costly and unreliable.
The borehole is also expected to reduce the time residents spend looking for water, especially women and girls, while helping the community cope better during dry seasons.
Bupa Global Kenya CEO Uditha Jayaratne said the project is part of the company’s long-term work with communities in Kilifi.
“What makes this project meaningful is not just the investment, but the people behind it. Our teams at Bupa Global Kenya are committed to helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives, which is why so many colleagues are here on the ground working with partners and the community. The Garashi borehole builds on three previous installations across Kilifi County, which so far allow over 33,000 residents to access clean and safe water. With this fourth project, we’re moving closer to our ambition of expanding clean water access to 100,000 people by 2028 – ensuring more communities can rely on a safe, sustainable supply for generations to come,” he said.
The project will be maintained through a structured system that includes regular checks and quick repairs when needed. Members of the local community have also been trained to help manage and maintain the water system.
Bupa Global Kenya says it plans to continue investing in similar projects, alongside other programmes focused on improving community health and early intervention.
