Nairobi, Kenya, 24th July 2024 – In a landmark move towards enhancing community welfare and environmental stewardship, EABL Foundation, in collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), has launched the Mt. Kenya Trails Sanitation Initiative. The project, which sees an investment of KES 4 million, aims to improve sanitation facilities along the Narumoru and Chogoria trails, marking a significant step forward in addressing the sanitation challenges faced by local communities and tourists.

The initiative, inspired by the EABL Executive Team’s recent hike on Mt. Kenya, identified a critical need for improved sanitation facilities. Recognising Mt. Kenya’s pivotal role as the country’s largest water tower, the project underscores EABL’s deep-rooted commitment to sustainable community development. This effort is in alignment with EABL’s ambitious sustainability agenda, Society 2030: Spirit of Progress, which focuses on environmental stewardship.

“Our collaboration with KWS exemplifies how partnerships can positively impact communities’ lives while safeguarding our natural resources. Access to proper sanitation is a fundamental human right, yet millions of Kenyans face daily challenges in meeting these basic needs,” said EABL Commercial Director Joel Kamau.

Since 2017, the EABL Foundation has consistently funded the Kijani initiative, which has seen the planting and nurturing of close to 1 million trees around Mt. Kenya with an 85% success rate. This new initiative builds on these efforts by constructing 11 sanitation facilities along the Mt. Kenya trails, significantly improving hygiene standards and reducing waterborne diseases.

Joel emphasised that the new sanitation facilities offer clean and dignified solutions for everyone using the trails, including mountaineers, tourists, and porters. “The construction of these facilities is not just about infrastructure; it’s about making a lasting impact on the lives of the people we serve. These facilities will benefit local communities and support Kenya Wildlife Service’s efforts in conservation and sustainable tourism,” he added.

This initiative is a testament to the power of partnerships. By combining the expertise and resources of the EABL Foundation and KWS, the project addresses the multifaceted challenges in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) holistically and sustainably.

As the facilities are inaugurated, Kamau called for continued collaboration and innovation to create a brighter and more sustainable future. “The journey does not end here. It is through continued collaboration and innovation that we can create a brighter and more sustainable future for all,” he concluded.

EABL Foundation’s commitment to ‘Preserve Water for Life’ remains at the core of its sustainability efforts. Its ongoing initiatives strive to improve access to clean water, hygiene, and sanitation in the communities where it operates. This latest project marks another significant milestone in its mission to support community development and environmental conservation.