In a bid to improve health and school attendance, more than 2,400 school-aged children in Kajiado County will receive hygiene kits and training on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices.
The initiative, launched by Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) in partnership with global aid organisation Feed the Children, aims to promote better hygiene habits among vulnerable communities. The programme kicked off with WASH education sessions at Inkati and Noontoto primary schools.
Addressing Global WASH Gaps
The project responds to alarming global statistics: according to the 2026 UN World Water Development Report, 2.1 billion people lacked safely managed drinking water in 2024, while 3.4 billion lacked safely managed sanitation. Additionally, 1.7 billion people did not have basic hygiene services at home.
Schools are particularly affected, with 23% lacking basic drinking water, 22% lacking basic sanitation, and 33% missing basic hygiene services worldwide. These deficiencies negatively impact children's health and school participation, underscoring the importance of access to hygiene supplies and education.
Corporate Social Responsibility in Action
FedEx staff actively participated in assembling and distributing hygiene kits as part of their FedEx Cares programme, which supports local community initiatives through employee volunteering.
Nelson Teixeira, FedEx’s Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa Operations, emphasized the company’s commitment: “Our purpose goes beyond moving packages; it is about connecting people and communities to the resources they need to thrive.”
Broader Impact on Children’s Well-being
Emily Callahan, President and CEO of Feed the Children, highlighted the wider benefits of hygiene support. “Access to hygiene supports children’s health, confidence, and ability to stay engaged in school,” she said, noting that the partnership with FedEx helps expand community-driven solutions for healthier futures.
This intervention is especially critical as millions of children globally continue to face challenges related to inadequate WASH services, which can lead to illness and absenteeism, including for adolescent girls affected by menstruation.
