Narimao/Kaitese – October 21, 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

The Department of Water Services has commenced site handovers for the Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Project (HoA-GW4RP) LOT 1 schemes to facilitate the construction, rehabilitation and expansion of water supply infrastructure.

The LOT 1 schemes are Lowarengak and Koribok in Turkana North, Kalobeyei in Turkana West, Narimao in Turkana Central, and Kaitese in Loima. The site handover exercise, which kicked off in Narimao and Kaitese, sought to introduce the contractor and restate each scheme’s project scope to the communities.

The HoA-GW4RP, funded the World Bank, aims to strengthen systems for the development and sustainable management of groundwater resources in drought-prone areas.

Speaking in the Kaitese public baraza, County Executive for Water Services, Willyjustus Lopeyok, highlighted that the project’s rehabilitation of existing water resources and supply systems was vital to improving access to safe water in the area.

“Water is a basic need that is why it’s the Number One Agenda for His Excellence the Governor. Every household deserves access to clean quality and potable water,” he said.

He called on residents to take ownership of the project and safeguard the infrastructure against vandalism. He noted that community responsibility is key to sustainability.

In Narimao’s public baraza, the water county executive Lopeyok commended women for their active role in water management and participation in development activities.

For the Kaitese residents, the scheme’s project promised relief from water scarcity. Lokirio Amarit, a local resident, said the rehabilitation of a nearby borehole would save time spent at the hand pump; which currently had low water yield.

She added that restoring the water kiosks and construction of additional ones would reduce the long distances residents travel to fetch water.

Akukut Esinyen from Nariamo village welcomed the repair works and urged the community to support the project as women were the most affected by water shortages.

Elder Jackson Etoot from Nakolobei, a village under the Nariamo scheme, called for the construction of additional kiosks to serve more villages.

The Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Kanamkemer Ward, Hon. James Ikenyi encouraged residents to embrace all development initiatives from both the government and development partners.

“Piping and other general works should involve local community members to create ownership and employment opportunities,” he said.

The Horn of Africa Project Coordinator, Frederick Rukoo, reiterated that project identification was conducted through public participation and that local water committees would oversee implementation.

While Hon. Stephen Edukon, MCA for Turkwel Ward, reminded the community that donor-funded initiatives complement government efforts to improve service delivery.

He urged the community to support the selected project committees and identify skilled technicians to ensure proper maintenance of the boreholes.

Secretary for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Turkwel and Chair of Kaitese Comprehensive School, Joseph Ekali, noted that the project would significantly benefit schools by reducing absenteeism caused by waterborne diseases and allowing students to focus on their studies.

“Women will also benefit greatly, as they will spend less time fetching water from distant sources,” he added.

He also highlighted that the rehabilitation of the borehole at St. Anthony Catholic Church (Kaitese) would also serve the Kaitese Dispensary.

The HoA-GW4RP seeks to address chronic water shortages across drought-affected borderlands through sustainable groundwater management and protection of aquifer systems. The project also covers Marsabit, Wajir, Mandera, and Garissa counties. It includes other implementing partners, including the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, and the Water Sector Trust Fund.

Officials present included County Director for Water Services – Paul Lotum, Turkana Central Sub-County Administrator – Esther Kiyonga, Deputy County Commissioner – Thomas Siele and Deputy Sub-County Administrator – Justus Eloto.