Lodwar, 22nd August 2026
(Public Communications and Media Relations)
Officials from the World Bank, Water Sector Trust Fund, the National Ministry of Water and the County’s Program Implementation Unit have conducted a four-day supervision exercise of ongoing borehole projects under the Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Project (HoAGW4RP).
The exercise aimed at assessing drilling progress, ensuring compliance with project standards, identifying measures to fast-track completion and improve water access for local communities.
The inspection covered six schemes in Turkana Central, Turkana West and Turkana North, nand Loima. The project sites were; Koribok, Lowarengak, Loturtur, Nangolekuruk, Nariamao and Kaitese.
Dr. James Origa of World Bank commended the County’s and implementing partners efforts for the progress made, stressing that the projects are critical to strengthening community resilience in a county frequently affected by water scarcity.
“The community is our primary client because these boreholes play a significant role in improving their livelihoods, supporting livestock, and strengthening community resilience against severe impacts of drought,” he said.
The County Project Coordinator, Charles Ekeno addressed community members, emphasizing the importance of project ownership in ensuring long-term sustainability of the water projects. He urged residents and water management committees to safeguard the facilities, support proper operation and maintenance, and work closely with implementing partners to ensure the investments deliver lasting benefits.
“These projects are for the benefit of the community, and their sustainability depends on how well they protect and manage them. We are asking the community to take ownership, support management committees and ensure facilities serve both current and future generations,” he said.
Residents welcomed the intervention, saying the projects would bring water closer to their households, livestock and public institutions while reducing the long distances travelled in search of water.
The supervision exercise reaffirmed the commitment of the county, World Bank and development partners to deliver sustainable groundwater infrastructure and accelerating access to safe and reliable water for vulnerable communities in Turkana.
