Isiolo County has intensified efforts to improve water access by repairing and restoring 11 boreholes across various wards, in a move aimed at cushioning communities from the harsh effects of drought.
The initiative, spearheaded by the County’s Department of Water and Sanitation, has revived water supply for households, livestock keepers, and small businesses that depend on reliable water sources for survival.
The rehabilitated boreholes are located in Bubisa (Gafarsa), Oldonyiro, Rumate Oldonyiro, Rapsu, LMD 1 and 2, Attir, Urura and Lafee in Cherab, as well as Taiboto and Range Borehole in Garbatulla.
County engineers carried out extensive works including replacing worn-out pumps and motors, installing new controller units and cables, servicing generators, repairing pipelines and storage tanks, and cleaning solar panels to enhance efficiency.
Power and water level sensors were also installed to improve monitoring and reduce breakdowns — a move officials say will lower maintenance costs and ensure faster response to faults.
Governor Abdi Guyo said the intervention is about restoring dignity and protecting livelihoods.
“Water is not a luxury in Isiolo but a lifeline for our people and their livestock,” he said, noting that the county is focused on practical and sustainable solutions to long-standing shortages.
New Boreholes Drilled
Alongside the rehabilitation works, the county has drilled five new boreholes in Aragai and Akareterete (Ngaremara ward), Kulamawe town (Kinna ward), Shambani (Burat ward), and Merti (Cherab ward).
Water samples from these new sources have been submitted for quality testing to confirm they are safe for domestic and livestock use.
Officials have also identified additional priority sites for the next drilling phase, including Chumvi, Attan, Qooti Koree, Machalo, and Matagari in Garbatulla.
Addressing Drought Challenges
The programme comes at a critical time as pastoral communities continue to grapple with erratic rainfall and shrinking water points, which have previously forced families to trek long distances in search of water. Restoring strategic boreholes is expected to reduce pressure on existing sources and minimize potential conflict over scarce resources.
According to county officials, reliable water points will keep livestock closer to settlements, improve hygiene, and support small-scale trade and other economic activities.
Local leaders have welcomed the initiative, saying functional water systems will boost school attendance and improve health outcomes — particularly for women and children who often bear the burden of fetching water.
Governor Guyo emphasized that the county will continue investing in monitoring systems and preventive maintenance to avoid frequent breakdowns that have historically disrupted supply.
“We are not just fixing boreholes; we are building a resilient water system that can withstand drought and serve our communities consistently,” he said.
The water programme forms part of Isiolo County’s broader drought mitigation strategy aimed at safeguarding livelihoods, strengthening climate resilience, and improving service delivery in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
With more projects planned, residents remain hopeful that sustained investment in water infrastructure will ease perennial shortages and support economic recovery in one of Kenya’s arid regions.
Tags
News