Relief for Turkana Pastoralists as KVDA Water Projects Transform Livelihoods

 Pastoralists in Turkana North Sub-county are breathing a sigh of relief following the completion of key water projects by the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA), easing years of hardship caused by persistent drought and water scarcity.

At Nalekan village, about 120 kilometres north of Lodwar, herder Enomat Kaikeny watches with pride as his cattle and sheep take turns at a newly constructed watering trough. Just a year ago, Kaikeny says such a scene was unimaginable.

“I used to walk more than 30 kilometres looking for water,” he recalls. “The journey was exhausting, and many times my animals would collapse and die because of drought.”

Today, Kaikeny is among scores of herders who converge daily at the Nayanae Epuol borehole, a project drilled by KVDA in 2024. The borehole has become a lifeline for both people and livestock in the area.

The facility supports an estimated 50,000 livestock — including cattle, sheep, goats and donkeys — and provides clean water to about 2,500 households. With water piping extended to Nalekan village, six kilometres away, residents can now access safe water closer to their homes.

The borehole produces up to 24,000 litres of water per hour, significantly reducing the long treks that once defined daily life in the region. Among those benefiting are Nangolo Ewoi Tuko and Angeline Nangolol, who were also seen watering their animals at the site.

KVDA Managing Director Sammy Naporos said the authority has invested at least Sh200 million in 17 water projects across Turkana County.

“These projects benefit more than 204,000 people and about 300,000 livestock,” Naporos said, adding that the interventions are aimed at addressing chronic water shortages in a region where pastoralism is the main economic activity.

KVDA Board Chairman Mark Chesergon reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to resolving water challenges in the county, noting that access to water is critical to sustaining livelihoods and improving living standards.

Other villages have also felt the impact of the projects. In Kalodekei village, Loma Sub-county, residents say a KVDA-supported borehole has transformed their lives.

Esther Akai, a beneficiary, said the availability of water has saved residents countless hours previously spent searching for the precious resource. “We are now able to grow vegetables for our families and sell the surplus for income,” she said.

As the interview continued, herder James Emuron arrived at the watering point with his 10 camels, watching contentedly as they drank. “This borehole has really helped us,” he said. “We used to lose livestock during drought, but that is now a thing of the past.”

Turkana County remains one of Kenya’s most water-scarce regions, with arid and semi-arid conditions compounded by vast distances and limited resources. However, residents say sustained investments in water infrastructure are offering hope and a pathway to resilience in the face of recurring droughts.