May 13, 2025
Njoguini’s New Standard for Success
The transformation of Njoguini Primary is nothing short of remarkable. Once on the brink of closure due to a dire water shortage, the school and the surrounding community have blossomed into a thriving hub of growth and resilience. This journey began in early 2019 with a crumbling, outdated borehole that once served as the area’s sole water source. Despite countless attempts to secure help from the original water project organization, their efforts were unsuccessful. As the borehole deteriorated further and drought gripped the region, daily life ground to a halt, and hope started to fade.
Located in the drought-prone Laikipia County, Njoguini relied entirely on that single borehole. When it ultimately collapsed, the community was left in crisis. Though they turned to a local company for repairs, the costs were far beyond reach, even with months of persistent fundraising. Still, the community didn’t give up. Their determination opened the door to a partnership with Well Aware, which provided the tools and technical support needed to bring their vision of a functioning water system to life. The Well Aware team rehabilitated and upgraded the collapsed water system. Our team implemented a new pipeline, elevated tank, and water kiosk—restoring access and ensuring a dependable, clean water supply for both the school and the wider community.
With the restoration of water came a renewed sense of purpose. Students returned to school, parents resumed farming, and a small school garden began to flourish, providing fresh produce and reducing the school’s reliance on donor-funded feeding programs. The school no longer had to pause activities during droughts, and the community finally had the resources to withstand the harsh climate. Clean water not only revived day-to-day life but also unlocked long-term opportunities for stability and growth.
Today, the impact is undeniable. Njoguini’s population has grown from 1,500 to over 2,500, driven in part by the reliability of clean water. The school has become a beacon of academic excellence in the region, outperforming many others and serving as a model of what’s possible when communities are equipped with the tools they need to thrive. What began as a desperate struggle for water has evolved into a story of resilience, self-determination, and transformation, powered by the people of Njoguini themselves. Access to clean water has not only changed lives in Njoguini but also set a new standard for success.