Community, School in West Pokot benefit from KVDA water project

ANTONY MELLY-KNA 

In an effort to enhance water security in arid regions of West Pokot County, with an emphasize on community development, education, sustainable resource management, Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) has officiated the groundbreaking of borehole projects aimed at improving water access in the region.

Speaking during the groundbreaking of a borehole water project in Chepukat Primary and Junior Secondary School in Kipkomo Sub-County, KVDA Managing Director Sammy Naporos disclosed that KVDA has eleven water projects at various stages of implementation across the Kerio Valley region, with Chepukat bore hall being the first among them.

‘‘West Pokot has about six of the water program be cause the area is drought prone area. We have two water projects in Turkana South, some in Baringo, and Samburu North and Central, and specifically is to caution farmers or the residents of this particular area,’’ the MD Naporos highlighted.

He said Kipkomo Sub County, including Chepukat area, is among the driest areas, particularly in Pokot South Constituency.  He underscored that the borehole are intended to mitigate water scarcity, helping farmers and residents by providing safe, clean drinking water, reducing the need to travel over two kilo meters for water, which is often of poor quality.

He said Chepugat bore hole will serve approximately 400 households and over 300 animals including goats, sheep, cattle among others. He said improved water access will boost school enrollment, possibly doubling students numbers, and could transform the school into a boarding facility in the future.

In her remarks, Wanjiku Manyatta from Ministry of ASALs, Regional Development and East African Com munity recognized 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 successful project implementation calling for a continued collaboration be tween KVDA, stakeholders, and the county government to ensure projects sustainability.

Dismus Juma, the Head Teacher of Chepugat Primary and Junior secondary School expressed heartful gratitude to the KVDA for considering implementing the water project at their school.