Because the riverbed is bone dry, several shallow wells dug by local water vendors dot the landscape, accompanied by noisy generators, which pump the precious commodity to the surface.
Job Wamalwa does a brisk business in nearby Nakiria Kalokol, a town of 12,000 people in Turkana County, selling water from the wells in 20 litre jerrycans.
On an average day, he makes about five trips to his well and carries back about 10 jerricans each time. He makes an average of Sh3,500 every day.
Known as Millie-J – combination of his wife’s name and the initials of his first name – the father of three says he’s been here for two years, having moved from Kitale, in the south.
“I love my wife, Millie, dearly. My motorbike and water business are named after her because she supports me,” he says. “She joined me here to make ends meet after life became too expensive at our home.”
Here in Turkana water-selling is a lifesaving business as drought has led to shortage for both domestic and agricultural needs.
To combat the situation, Unicef is taking part in a four-year water project, funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency, which aims to increase the availability of groundwater for domestic use, to improve the functionality of rural water points and to improve sanitation and hygiene practices, such as handwashing.
