Residents of Turkana are a step closer to improved access to water after the county government moved to fast-track the implementation of a key World Bank-funded project worth about Sh3 billion.
The Turkana government, the National Land Commission (NLC) and the Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Project (HoAGW4RP) have completed a critical land verification exercise aimed at securing sites for the construction of water infrastructure across the region.
The exercise involved verifying and documenting land voluntarily set aside by communities for the development of boreholes and related facilities, including offices, generator houses and ablution blocks.
As part of the process, officials captured geographical coordinates and prepared Part Development Plans (PDPs), a key requirement in land acquisition and planning.
The verification team visited 10 project sites in Koribok, Lowarengak, Kaitese, Nariamawoi, Kalobeyei, Loturtur, Nangolekuruk, Lutubae, Lokwii and Kangakimak.
NLC coordinator Mark Ewesit praised local communities for supporting the project through voluntary land allocation.
“This exercise confirms the land identified for the project belongs to the community and has been willingly provided for public use,” he said.
Ewesit said proper documentation would protect the communities and the project from future ownership disputes.
“Our role is to ensure all legal and planning requirements are met before development begins. This process guarantees the project is implemented on land that has been properly verified and documented,” he added.
Ewesit urged residents to continue supporting the initiative, noting that access to safe and reliable water remains critical to sustainable development in Turkana.
The Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Project is expected to significantly improve access to water and strengthen climate resilience among communities that frequently face drought and water scarcity.
With the verification exercise now complete, the National Land Commission will proceed with the next phase of land documentation, paving the way for project implementation and the delivery of sustainable water services.
The Turkana projects form part of Kenya’s Sh19.3 billion allocation under the Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Project.
The six-year World Bank-funded programme, running from 2022 to 2028, is being implemented across five arid and semi-arid counties — Turkana, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir and Garissa — and is expected to benefit more than 1.5 million people.
The Sh19.3 billion programme includes borehole rehabilitation, managed aquifer recharge, pipeline development and capacity-building initiatives aimed at improving long-term water security.
Turkana is largely arid and is home to predominantly nomadic communities that depend heavily on access to water and pasture for their livelihoods.
Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has expressed confidence the project will significantly improve livelihoods and strengthen resilience among communities that have long struggled with water shortages.
Once completed, the water infrastructure is expected to enhance access to safe water, support livestock production and boost economic opportunities in one of Kenya’s most drought-prone regions.
