Danish government and the Kenya Water Trust Fund have earmarked six counties in the Arid and Semi-Arid lands [ASALs] that will benefit from a Sh1.2 billion water project starting July this year.
The project to be implemented from 2022 – 2027 will address water shortages and sanitation issues in the counties of Turkana, Isiolo, Tana River, Garissa, Lamu and Marsabit where more than 2,500 households will benefit.
Speaking during a memorandum signing in Naivasha Saturday, Danish official Elizabeth Matioli said under the partnership, each county will receive Sh140 million to undertake projects that will provide water for individual households, livestock use and re-afforestation measures to address climate change concerns.
Matioli said the Danish support is aimed at backing government efforts and programmes that address perennial water shortages amidst the current drought situation in the targeted regions.
“We had injected Sh3.5 billion to support water projects in eight counties before and this is an extension of our partnership”, said Matioli.
Water CAS Dr Andrew Tuimur welcomed the support noting that water is a key pillar in realization of government Big 4 legacy projects and the country’s vision 2030.
He said the projects which will include construction of dams and water pans, will help in mitigating the drought situation being experienced in some parts of the country.
According to Tuimur, the projects will also help address water related conflicts and cross border issues that often occur during drought periods in the ASAL regions.
“The government is currently undertaking over 685 water related projects in the country including three piece dams in Marsabit, Turkana and West Pokot”, said Tuimur.
He added that the government was committed to raise sanitation challenges in the country from the current 20 per cent to 40 per cent by the end of this year.
Speaking at the event, Kenya Water Trust Fund official Fred Josiah said the water projects will also help improve the country’s water resources management and sanitation targets.
The officer said the fund is also overseeing implementation of other investment programmes including urban water resources and climate change plans and result based financing in the counties.
Lamu Governor Fahim Twaha noted that Lamu is experiencing a major population shift due to the government billion dollar investments in the region raising demand for water and better sanitation.
By Erastus Gichohi and Calvin Osiemo
