Bupa Global Kenya launches solar-powered borehole to serve 11,000 residents in Kilifi

 Bupa Global Kenya has commissioned a solar-powered borehole in Garashi, Magarini Sub-County, expanding access to clean water for approximately 11,000 residents and strengthening community health services in Kilifi County.

The Garashi Solar Borehole, funded by the Bupa Foundation and implemented in partnership with the Kilifi County Government through Griot Impact, includes a four-kilometre piped distribution network supplying water to six community collection points. These include Garashi Centre, Kadongoleni, Mwangaza, Kalongoni, Garashi Health Centre and Garashi Primary School, benefiting surrounding villages.

The project is the fourth community borehole supported by Bupa Global Kenya in Kilifi County and forms part of the organisation’s goal of expanding access to clean water to 100,000 people by 2028.

For many residents in the area, access to safe water has historically been a challenge, with communities relying on seasonal rivers, shallow wells and hand-dug water pans that are often unsafe and unreliable. The new borehole provides a sustainable water source aimed at improving sanitation, health outcomes and community resilience.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Kilifi County Chief Officer for Water and Natural Resources Lawrence Mwazogha said the county government has been investing in water infrastructure but supply challenges remain in many areas.

“Since 2022, the County Government of Kilifi has laid more than 478 kilometres of pipeline across the county. However, many communities still face water rationing due to supply constraints,” he said.

Mwazogha welcomed the partnership with Bupa Global Kenya, noting that the borehole will support critical institutions such as schools and healthcare facilities while also empowering local communities to manage the system sustainably.

The project will directly benefit Garashi Primary School, which serves about 710 pupils, and Garashi Health Centre, a key provider of primary healthcare services in the area.

Access to clean water is expected to improve hygiene and sanitation in the school and support infection prevention at the health facility. Previously, the health centre relied on water delivered by bowsers, which posed cost and supply challenges.

Bupa Global Kenya Chief Executive Officer and Principal Officer Uditha Jayaratne said the project reflects the organisation’s commitment to community wellbeing and preventative health.

“The Garashi borehole builds on three previous installations across Kilifi County, which already enable more than 33,000 residents to access safe water. With this fourth project, we are moving closer to our ambition of expanding clean water access to 100,000 people by 2028,” he said.

Beyond the infrastructure investment, Bupa Global Kenya staff also supported the project on the ground, working with partners and local community members.

Maintenance of the system will be handled through Griot Impact’s operations and maintenance programme, which includes preventive maintenance, system monitoring and rapid response support. Community members are also being trained to manage and maintain the infrastructure to ensure long-term sustainability.

Bupa Global Kenya operates as the licensed insurer for Bupa Global in the country and serves as a regional hub for the organisation’s expansion across Africa.

The company says it is also advancing preventative health initiatives, including community education and early intervention programmes, as part of its global mission to help people live longer, healthier and happier lives.