Turkana county to benefit from World Bank funded water projects aimed at supporting community resilience in arid counties

Turkana county is set to benefit from a World Bank–funded water development project aimed at boosting community resilience and improving access to clean water in arid areas.

The County Department of Water Services has officially handed over several sites earmarked for development under the Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Project (HoA-GW4RP).

In the first phase, the World Bank will upgrade existing water infrastructure in Kerio, Turkana Central. Two sites — Nang’olekuru and Loturtur — have already been handed over, while others including Lotubae-Lokwii-Namortung’a in Turkana East and Kang’ikimak in Turkana South will follow.

Officials said the project seeks to strengthen systems for the sustainable development and management of groundwater resources in drought-prone areas. It is also being implemented in Marsabit, Wajir, Mandera and Garissa counties.

The handover ceremony was led by county project coordinator Eng Fredrick Rukoo who briefed community members on the project scope and introduced the contractor.

“The project will create employment for residents and ultimately provide access to clean water,” Rukoo said.

Turkana Central administrator Esther Kiyonga said a major stakeholders’ forum would soon be convened to engage community and county leaders before construction begins.

Deputy County Commissioner Thomas Siele urged residents to cooperate with the contractor and safeguard the project infrastructure.

“We expect full community support so that work is completed on time and residents can access clean water,” Siele said.

Residents at Loturtur, led by Joyce Loupa Chilakeny, welcomed the initiative, saying the rehabilitation of the local borehole would provide a reliable source of fresh water.

“The borehole has plenty of fresh water. Once rehabilitated, it will transform our daily lives,” she said.

At the second site in Nadoto under the Nang’olekuru scheme, community mobiliser James Awote said the project would ease the burden on women who trek long distances to fetch water.

“The project includes four water kiosks, which will bring clean water closer to our villages and create jobs for residents,” he said.

The projects are expected to be completed within the implementation timelines agreed upon with contractors.