As part of its efforts in the Northern Arid Lands (NAL) of Kenya to address water scarcity and its economic and social impact on local communities, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) today handed over a water facility to Governor of Samburu County Moses Lenolkulal at the Rapunye Borehole site in Archers Post, Samburu. The water facility, which consists of a borehole, water tower and water access points, has a capacity to serve 6,400 people.

In addition to Governor Lenolkulal, the Ministry of Health’s Director of Medical Services Dr. Jackson Kioko witnessed the handover event along with Dr. Sheila Macharia, who represented USAID.

The activity is part of USAID’s APHIAplus IMARISHA project, which works to improve the health communities in Kenya’s northern arid lands. When the project began in 2012, a significant number of people in the NAL did not have access to clean water. People travelled long distances in harsh weather conditions to use contaminated water that was shared with their domestic animals. The direct link between water, health and resilience led USAID to implement water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions in eight counties in Kenya, including Samburu.

By supporting Government of Kenya efforts at both national and county levels, the country led, owned and managed approach addresses the well-being of marginalized and underserved populations in the NAL and has lasting impact on health and resilience in these communities.

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