Residents of Karantina in Marsabit town have received a major boost in access to clean water following the commissioning of a new solar-powered water project funded by Airtel Money and implemented by the Kenya Red Cross Society.
The Karantina water project, unveiled in Saku Sub-County, features a 532-meter borehole, a solar power installation, and a pumping system that will directly benefit more than 450 households.
The initiative comes as a timely intervention to address the acute water shortage that has long plagued the semi-arid region.
“As Airtel Money continues to grow, it is our commitment to not only enable seamless financial transactions but also to empower communities and transform lives,” Airtel Kenya said in a statement during the launch.
The project underscores the company’s push beyond digital financial services into community development, particularly in regions vulnerable to climate change and resource scarcity.
Present at the commissioning were Marsabit County Deputy Governor Solomon Riwe, Kenya Red Cross Society Governor Geoffrey Korir, and Airtel Kenya’s Mt. Kenya Regional Manager Anthony Muhoro, who jointly lauded the partnership for its transformative impact.
The Kenya Red Cross, which spearheaded implementation, emphasised that the solar-powered solution is sustainable and environmentally friendly, reducing reliance on diesel-powered pumps while guaranteeing residents access to safe and reliable water.
For the people of Karantina and the broader Marsabit community, the project offers more than just water; it symbolises hope, resilience, and the power of partnerships in driving sustainable development.