Saparingo Primary School, located in the Saparingo community in South-West Kenya, was established in 2005 by the community itself, who built the first classroom. Since 2014, Wild Impact, in partnership with &Beyond and generous donors, has supported the school’s infrastructural growth. Today, the school serves 288 learners, supported by 16 teachers and 5 support staff. Yet despite this steady progress, one major challenge remained: the school had no access to reliable electricity.
For nearly two decades, Saparingo Primary School has stood as a beacon of hope in the heart of the Masai Mara. Established in 2006 and located far from the national power grid, the school flourished despite having no access to electricity, a challenge that shaped daily life for both learners and teachers.
Because the school sits directly on the elephant corridor between the Mara and the Nyakweri Forest, darkness brought the risk of wild animals entering the compound. To ensure safety and harmony with the wandering giants of the Mara, the school community established a sunset routine, transitioning into the protection of the dormitories by 7:00 PM Fot the teachers, who live on-site to mentor their pupils, would travel miles to the nearest town just to charge their phones, ensuring they could remain connected to their loved ones.
At Wild Impact, we believe that for conservation to succeed, the communities living alongside wild places must be supported and empowered.In 2025, through a powerful partnership between Wild Impact, &Beyond, New Southern Energy (NSE), IDEA Azerbaijan, and Nabico Enterprises Limited, a 20 kWp solar system was installed. This project is a cornerstone of our commitment to building resilient communities through sustainable infrastructure.
The first night the switch was flipped, the campus erupted in pure joy. Learners were seen huddled over their books, marveling at how clearly they could see their notes at 8:00 PM—just as vividly as at midday. Teachers, now able to live with increased dignity and comfort, could finally prepare lessons and grade papers with ease. Even the school’s security team found a new sense of peace; bright perimeter lights now guide elephants safely around the compound, reducing human-wildlife conflict and ensuring a restful night for all.
The transformation ripples far beyond the school gates, creating a brilliant fusion of education and conservation:
Empowered Learning: With reliable light, learners are taking charge of their education, waking at 5:00 AM to study, a shift that is nurturing the next generation of leaders.
Digital Literacy: With the computer lab fully operational, students are mastering digital skills, bridging the divide between remote landscapes and global opportunities.
Previously Community and Conservation Rangers, had to travel 12km to charge their e-motorbike batteries—a trip that took half a day. Now, they charge at the school, reclaiming their time to protect the landscape and facilitate the Echo environmental education program for the students.
Community Resilience: By providing power and connectivity, the school has become a hub for the community, boosting teacher morale and ensuring that Saparingo remains a stable, thriving center for growth.
Saparingo is no longer a school waiting for the sun; it is a beacon of progress. At 5:00 AM, when the windows of the school begin to glow, it serves as a powerful reminder of what becomes possible when we work together. The story of Saparingo Primary School is a testament to what collaboration, vision, and perseverance can achieve. This transformation was made possible through Wild Impact USA and UK, in partnership with &Beyond, New Southern Energy (NSE), IDEA Azerbaijan and Nabico Enterprises Limited.
By investing in renewable energy, we aren’t just installing panels—we are nurturing resilient communities and conserving wild places, ensuring a bright, sustainable future for the entire Masai Mara.
Wild Impact is a Public Benefit Organisation registered in South Africa. Reg. No.: 930002115