Wajir: The United Kingdom, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, has unveiled the Geriley Community Borehole in Wajir County. This marks the final intervention under the UK-funded Deris Wanaag regional peace and security programme.
According to Kenya News Agency, the borehole, identified by local residents, aims to address the effects of climate shocks that have contributed to recurring drought, water shortages, and insecurity in the Kenya-Somalia-Ethiopia borderlands. Speaking during the launch, Deris Wanaag Project Team lead Mr. Ibrahim Hussein Somo noted that the intervention reflected community-driven solutions to local challenges. He emphasized that the borehole represents a flexible and agile approach to addressing community and government priorities, even though it was not initially part of the programme’s design.
Mr. Ben Fisher, Head of the UK’s Integrated Security Fund and Senior Regional Conflict Advisor at the British High Commission Nairobi, highlighted the UK’s commitment to enhancing stability in the region. He remarked that the borehole exemplifies how collaboration can help communities cope with climate pressures, the influence of violent groups like al-Shabaab, and conflicts over limited resources. Fisher stressed the need for continued investment in security, development, service delivery, education, water, health, and economic support to reduce the risk of radicalization.
The Wajir County Government played a key role by supporting the technical assessment, hydrological survey, and installation of a power generator for the borehole, ensuring sustainability and strengthening collaboration between local authorities and communities. Project officials stated that the Geriley borehole will benefit approximately 3,500 households and 20,000 livestock by providing reliable, clean, and safe water. This intervention is expected to reduce reliance on unsafe cross-border water sources, ease pressure on women and pastoralists, and mitigate resource-based tensions.
With UK funding of Sh2.5 billion, the Deris Wanaag programme integrated security, development, and peacebuilding approaches, including conflict resolution, community dialogue, early warning systems, and rapid response mechanisms. Local leaders and residents have welcomed the project, noting that improved access to water will alleviate daily hardships, support pastoralist livelihoods, and reduce tensions during drought periods.
