The government has released Sh2.1 billion for water projects in 6 counties. [Photo|wvi.org]
Northern Kenya residents have a reason to smile as the State has moved to address water challenges.
Water and Irrigation Principal Secretary Fred Segor has announced the release of Sh2.1 billion for water projects in arid and semi-arid counties.
Segor said the project, which will be funded through Equalisation Fund, is aimed at alleviating perennial water shortages in the region.
"We want to minimise distance and time covered by residents, especially women in search of water," the PS said when he toured the region over the weekend.
The funds will be divided among 6 counties with acute shortage of the limited resource.
Garissa will get Sh360 million, Wajir (500 m), Turkana (169 m), Isiolo (144 m), Marsabit (195 m), while Samburu county will get the lion's share of Sh740 million.
The funds will be used to construct water pans and dams and drilling boreholes.
The projects are expected to be completed in three years.
"Our aim is that people should be able to access water in no more than 30 minutes," Segor said.