West Pokot: In an effort to enhance water security in the arid regions of West Pokot County, with a focus on community development, education, and sustainable resource management, Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) has officiated the groundbreaking of borehole projects aimed at improving water access in the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, KVDA Managing Director Sammy Naporos announced during the groundbreaking ceremony at Chepukat Primary and Junior Secondary School in Kipkomo Sub County of Pokot South Constituency, that KVDA has eleven water projects at various stages across the Kerio Valley region, with the Chepukat borehole being the first among them. Naporos highlighted that West Pokot hosts about six of these water programs due to its drought-prone nature, with additional projects in Turkana South, Baringo, and Samburu North and Central, specifically designed to support farmers and local residents.
Kipkomo Sub County, including the Chepukat area, is one of the driest, particularly in Pokot South Constituency. The boreholes are intended to alleviate water scarcity, supplying safe, clean drinking water and reducing the need for locals to travel over two kilometers for often poor-quality water. The Chepukat borehole will serve approximately 400 households and over 300 animals, including goats, sheep, and cattle. Improved water access is expected to boost school enrollment, potentially doubling student numbers and transforming the school into a boarding facility in the future.
Naporos emphasized that this government-funded initiative supports pastoralists and children in drought-affected areas, ensuring access to safe drinking water. Wanjiku Manyatta from the Ministry of ASAL and Regional Development and East African Community acknowledged KVDA as one of Kenya’s six regional development authorities actively implementing projects for the benefit of residents in ASAL areas. She commended KVDA for its successful project implementation and called for continued collaboration with stakeholders and the county government to ensure project sustainability.
Dismus Juma, head teacher of Chepukat Primary and Junior Secondary School, expressed heartfelt gratitude to KVDA for selecting their school for the water project. He noted that historically, the Chepukat area has faced severe water shortages, forcing villagers to travel nearly five kilometers in search of water for domestic use and livestock. With the commencement of the borehole project, the community and school are pleased as the longstanding water problem is expected to end.
Juma disclosed that the availability of water will enable learners to dedicate more time to studies, as they will no longer need to spend hours fetching water. He also acknowledged the government’s school feeding program, noting that improved water access will facilitate better sanitation and nutrition at school. The lack of water has led livestock herders to move animals to Uganda during dry seasons, disrupting learners’ education and attendance. With water availability at the school, he remains optimistic that the water hardship problem will be alleviated, allowing children to stay in school and focus on their studies.
Vitalis Wamalwa, deputy head teacher of Chepukat School, shared that teachers, especially non-locals, have faced numerous challenges due to water scarcity. Teachers have been forced to fetch water themselves using various containers. Sometimes the school has had to close early so students can fetch water for their families, and in some cases, the school has been unable to cook meals for students due to a lack of water. He emphasized that access to water is a privilege many regions lack, underlining the critical need for water resources.
Rosaline Chebet, the school cook, expressed happiness that water availability at the school will help reduce the arduous task of traveling long distances with donkeys to fetch water. She is optimistic that water availability will ease her work and improve hygiene and sanitation at the school. Philomena Chelimo, a teacher, observed that learners often find it difficult to concentrate during afternoon classes because they are eager to go home early to fetch water for their families. Parent Samson Lolem disclosed that there is no borehole in the area, and residents have been traveling up to 20 kilometers in search of water. He thanked KVDA for prioritizing the drilling of a borehole, which will bring numerous benefits, including improved health, education, and livelihoods for the community.
