Turkana’s Groundwater Revolution: How Land Verification Could End Decades of Drought
Lodwar, 17 June 2026
A landmark land verification exercise in Turkana County has unlocked the potential for a transformative groundwater project, promising to deliver water security to over 77,000 square kilometres of Kenya’s most arid region. This initiative could end chronic water shortages for both local communities and refugees, marking a turning point in the fight against drought in the Horn of Africa.
A Region Thirsty for Change
Turkana County, Kenya’s second-largest county spanning 77,000 square kilometres, has long been synonymous with drought and water scarcity [1]. The arid landscape, home to both local communities and over 288,000 refugees in Kakuma and Kalobeyei camps, has faced chronic water shortages that exacerbate food insecurity and conflict over resources [GPT]. The recent completion of a land verification exercise for the Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Project (HoAGW4RP) marks a pivotal moment in addressing these challenges. By securing land for boreholes, pipelines, and storage facilities, the project aims to provide a sustainable water supply to an estimated 500,000 people across the county, including refugees and host communities [1].
Securing Land, Securing Futures
The land verification process, completed on 15 June 2026, involved documenting parcels of land voluntarily set aside by local communities for water infrastructure development [1]. National Land Commission (NLC) Coordinator Mark Ewesit emphasised the significance of this step, stating that proper documentation safeguards both the community and the project from future ownership disputes [1]. The exercise covered 10 critical sites, including Koribok, Lowarengak, Kaitese, Nariamawoi, Kalobeyei, Loturtur, Nangolekuruk, Lutubae, Lokwii, and Kangakimak, with geographical coordinates captured and Part Development Plans (PDPs) prepared for each [1]. This meticulous approach ensures that the selected sites are legally secured, paving the way for the construction of boreholes, offices, generator houses, and ablution blocks [1].
Water as a Catalyst for Stability
For refugees in Kakuma and Kalobeyei, water scarcity has been more than an inconvenience—it has been a threat to safety and livelihoods. Women and children, who often bear the burden of water collection, face risks of assault and exploitation during long treks to distant water sources [GPT]. The HoAGW4RP project, by improving water access, aims to reduce these risks while fostering economic opportunities through agriculture and livestock rearing [1]. The initiative aligns with broader regional efforts to strengthen climate resilience, benefiting communities in Kenya, South Sudan, Somalia, and Ethiopia [1]. In Turkana East, a similar project in Ng’ilukia, commissioned by Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul, already yields 6,000 litres of water per hour, directly benefiting over 3,000 residents [2][6]. Such projects demonstrate the transformative potential of targeted water infrastructure in arid regions.
From Verification to Implementation
With the land verification phase complete, the National Land Commission (NLC) is set to proceed with the next stage of land documentation, bringing the project closer to implementation [1]. The urgency of this initiative is underscored by Turkana’s recurring droughts, which have devastated livelihoods and deepened poverty in the region [GPT]. The HoAGW4RP project is expected to mitigate these impacts by providing a reliable water supply for domestic use, livestock, and small-scale irrigation [1]. However, challenges remain, including the need for sustained funding and community engagement to ensure the long-term success of the infrastructure [alert! ‘Project funding sources and timelines for completion have not been publicly detailed’].
A Blueprint for the Horn of Africa?
Turkana’s groundwater project could serve as a model for other drought-prone regions in the Horn of Africa. The collaborative approach, involving the Turkana County Government, the National Land Commission, and international partners, highlights the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement in addressing water insecurity [1]. If successful, the project could reduce cross-border tensions over resources, particularly between host communities and refugees, while improving public health outcomes through access to clean water [GPT]. As the region grapples with the effects of climate change, initiatives like HoAGW4RP offer a glimmer of hope for millions facing water scarcity [1].