Davis & Shirtliff’s ‘Improving Lives’ Initiative Impacts 285,000 Kenyans with KES 93M Water and Solar Projects

Davis & Shirtliff, Africa’s leading water and energy solutions provider, has impacted 285,000 Kenyans – including 83,000 school children – through its ‘Improving Lives’ initiative. Over the past year, the company has implemented 124 water and solar projects worth over KES 93 million across over 31 counties.

The projects, implemented in partnership with key stakeholders, address the pressing challenges of water and energy insecurity exacerbated by climate change.

“Climate change is causing widespread disruption, making access to water and energy even more critical,” said George Mbugua, CEO of Davis & Shirtliff.

“Tackling this challenge requires strong partnerships and innovative approaches, leveraging both for-profit and non-profit expertise to drive real impact.”

To counter these challenges, the ‘Improving Lives’ initiative prioritized solar energy, powering 93 of its projects with clean, sustainable energy solutions.

A key milestone in 2024 was the conversion of 35 handpumps into solar-powered systems, ensuring a reliable and low-maintenance water supply for schools and communities. The transition boosts efficiency, reduces time spent at wells, and guarantees continuous water access. This impactful program will continue into 2025 targeting to replace many more installations.

In collaboration with the Britam Foundation, D&S Improving Lives rehabilitated boreholes and installed solar-powered pumps in 21 primary schools across 13 counties, including Bungoma, Kajiado, Kisumu, and West Pokot.

With 1 in 3 schools in Kenya lacking safe water access, this initiative is bridging the gap by providing sustainable solutions that enhance learning environments while cutting operational costs.

Together with the Lavington Eco Rotary Club and Acacia Moyo, D&S Improving Lives installed a solar-powered borehole at Empakasi Primary School, benefiting pupils and the surrounding community. In drought-stricken Kajiado, where pastoralists are shifting to apiculture due to livestock losses, this water source now supports beekeeping initiatives, creating additional income streams.

After seven years of relentless drought, Isiolo’s Gambela community faced severe food and water shortages. The Improving Lives initiative, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Laikipia Highlanders, installed a solar-powered 4kW Dayliff borehole pump, delivering 21,000 liters of water per hour. This dependable supply is helping restore livelihoods and mitigate hunger.

In partnership with ChildFund and DuPont, D&S Improving Lives commissioned an ultra-filtration water treatment plant in Homa Bay County, providing clean water to over 7,500 residents along Lake Victoria’s shores. This initiative tackles waterborne diseases and reduces risks faced by women and girls fetching unsafe water, including threats from crocodiles and hippos.

“Through sustainable innovations and strategic alliances, Davis & Shirtliff continues to make clean water and renewable energy accessible to those who need it most, empowering communities for a brighter future,” added Mr Mbugua.

Since 2018, the ‘Improving Lives’ initiative has implemented over 760 projects, benefiting more than 1.5 million people.