The World Bank and the Kenyan government have committed KSh13.5 billion to strengthen water security in five drought-prone counties as prolonged dry conditions continue to threaten households, livestock and livelihoods.
The groundwater project will target Turkana, Mandera, Wajir, Marsabit and Garissa, with the investment expected to provide more reliable water sources for communities and reduce dependence on emergency water trucking during drought.
The initiative will focus on developing groundwater resources and supporting infrastructure such as boreholes, solar-powered water systems and pipelines, while improving water access for schools, health facilities and other public institutions.
The investment comes as parts of northern Kenya continue to experience drought stress, with Mandera and Wajir classified in the Alarm phase and Turkana, Marsabit and Garissa in the Alert phase in the latest drought assessment.
1. Developing reliable groundwater sources
A major component of the project will be the development of groundwater sources in the five counties.
Reliable groundwater supplies could provide communities with access to water even during prolonged periods of below-average rainfall.
For pastoral communities, improved access to water is particularly important because livestock depend on regular watering points during dry seasons.
The project is also expected to support small-scale farming and irrigation where groundwater resources are suitable.
2. Expanding borehole infrastructure
The investment will support borehole drilling and related infrastructure in areas where communities face limited access to reliable water sources.
New and improved boreholes could help reduce the distances that households and pastoralists travel in search of water.
The additional watering points are also expected to help reduce livestock losses during prolonged dry periods, when animals are forced to travel long distances in search of water and pasture.
However, the long-term success of the boreholes will depend on proper maintenance, water-quality monitoring and sustainable management of groundwater resources.
3. Introducing solar-powered water systems
The project is also expected to create opportunities for the use of solar-powered pumping systems.
Solar pumping can provide a more sustainable way of moving groundwater to storage tanks and distribution points, particularly in remote areas where access to electricity remains limited.
The approach could help reduce the operating costs associated with conventional pumping systems while improving the reliability of water supplies.
4. Improving water access for schools and health facilities
Beyond household use, the investment is expected to improve water supplies to public institutions, including schools and health facilities.
Reliable water is essential for sanitation, hygiene and healthcare delivery, particularly in drought-affected communities.
For schools, improved water access could reduce the burden on pupils and families who have to travel long distances to collect water, while also supporting sanitation facilities.
Health facilities would similarly benefit from more dependable water supplies for cleaning, sanitation and patient care.
5. Supporting livestock, farming and local livelihoods
The water investment could also provide wider economic benefits to communities that depend on livestock and small-scale agriculture.
Drought has affected pastoral households through declining livestock body condition, reduced milk production, livestock deaths and distress sales.
Improved watering points could help pastoralists preserve their herds during dry periods, while groundwater-supported irrigation and fodder production could create additional opportunities for farmers.
The project is also expected to generate employment in areas such as borehole drilling, construction, solar pumping, pipeline installation and maintenance.
Drought pressure continues in northern Kenya
The investment comes after several consecutive below-average rainy seasons that have left water sources and pasture struggling to recover.
The prolonged dry conditions have placed significant pressure on pastoral communities, with households facing reduced livestock production and rising food insecurity.
Children and other vulnerable groups are particularly exposed to the effects of drought, including reduced access to milk, malnutrition and water-related illnesses.
Longer journeys to water points have also increased the burden on households, particularly women and children.
Long-term water security remains a challenge
While the KSh13.5 billion investment could significantly improve water access in the five counties, experts and government agencies will face the challenge of ensuring that new infrastructure remains functional after construction.
This will require regular maintenance, water-quality testing, protection of groundwater sources, security of infrastructure and sustainable financing.
Effective groundwater management will also be critical to prevent over-extraction and ensure that water sources remain available during future droughts.
If successfully implemented, the project could help Turkana, Mandera, Wajir, Marsabit and Garissa shift from repeated emergency drought interventions towards more sustainable long-term water security.
The investment could ultimately strengthen the resilience of households, protect livestock and support livelihoods as northern Kenya continues to face the growing effects of climate variability.
