Sacho High School in Baringo County has launched a Ksh20 million water bottling plant. The Sacho Springs Water, which is based at the school, will help the institution generate revenue and expose students to plant operations.
Kabarak University Acting Vice Chancellor Henry Kiplagat, who was chief guest during the official launch, lauded the initiative, saying it will generate revenue for the school besides creating a holistic learning centre for students. “Besides cutting down on costs, such projects will allow students to directly benefit from practical lessons,” said Dr Kiplagat.
The secondary school, owned by retired President Daniel arap Moi, has set the pace for others in setting up income-generating projects, just like most universities are doing. It has even set up an investment arm to run its commercial activities instead of relying on milking parents to fund every school project. It’s an idea that public schools can replicate in schools to avoid over-reliance on Government funding, which is sometimes delayed, denying students essential services.
Sacho High School Investment Company (SAHICO) Marketing Officer Nicholas Kiplagat said the bottled water is ready to take the market by storm. “Apart from earning the school revenue, it will also act as a learning centre and a source of inspiration to some of our students who want to pursue engineering,” he said.
Special branded water
Mr Kiplagat said the students will have a wide range of knowledge through exposure to machines and interaction with engineers and other professionals at the plant. He said the bottling plant is one of a kind and uses modern technology in purifying, bottling and packaging water.
“The kind of machines we have can clean and fill 4,000 bottles in an hour. Currently, we are packaging half that because we still have challenges with marketing,” said Nicholas. He said the school currently supplies water to several retail outlets in Nakuru, Baringo and Elgeyo-Marakwet counties as well as customised branding for special occasions.
“We also do water branding for individuals and occasions like weddings, funerals and campaigns,” said Mr Kiplagat. He said proceeds from the project will be used to educate needy students sponsored by the school.
Senior Principal Richard Moindi said plans of setting up a bio-digester to supplement power needs at the bottling plant are also underway. “If we are to compete at a national and global stage successfully, we need to make significant improvements and engage students in terms of maximising the effectiveness of technical subjects,” said Mr Moindi. (additional information from Standard)
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