The State Funds Water Projects in ASALs with Sh 300 Million in Kenya

Posted on : Tuesday, 3rd June 2025

At a cost of Sh 300 million, the government is putting about 31 water projects into 23 Arid and Semi-Arid (ASAL) counties.

 

The projects were being carried out in the counties most affected by the drought, such as Marsabit, Turkana, Mandera, Wajir, West Pokot, Baringo, and Tana River.

 

Referred to as key initiatives, the PS stated that they were being carried out in accordance with the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda with the goal of increasing food security, particularly in ASALs, and enhancing the communities' ability to withstand drought by enhancing their access to clean water.

 

"Our goal is to increase food security and drought resilience by making sustainable investments in climate-smart agriculture, water infrastructure, and livelihood diversification."

 

During the commissioning of the Kabati water project in Kieni Nyeri County on Wednesday, the PS gave a speech.

 

The 220 m borehole project includes a 225,000 l concrete storage tank and a solar-powered pump house. The borehole water project will provide clean and dependable water to over 350 households, four elementary schools, and a medical institution located in the area through its 2.9-kilometer distribution network.

 

According to PS Harsama, infrastructure will greatly lessen the strain of gathering water for local women, who previously had to walk nearly five kilometers in search of it. He added that the initiative will help with irrigation farming, which will boost food security and nutrition.