How Kieni water project will beat drought

Over 100 residents of the Semi-arid Kieni area of Nyeri County have received storage tanks to help them harvest rainwater, to fight the biting hunger. 

The beneficiaries who are members of the Mutitu Water Project will also be able to deal with acute water shortage in the area caused by drought. 

According to the project chairperson, Joseph Kagiri, the issuance of water tanks will solve various challenges locals encounter including inadequate sanitation and waterborne diseases.

Kagiri said the beneficiaries will embark on entrepreneurship adding that the project has partnered with Caritus MicroFinance to provide concessional loans to members who could not afford to pay the full amount upfront. 

"These loans will allow members to repay the cost of the 5000-liter tanks in manageable instalments of Sh1500 per month in 18 months translating to Sh50 per day. This partnership is a huge relief to our members, many of whom are farmers and unable to pay the full Sh27000 upfront," Kagiri said. 

Mary Wamaitha, a beneficiary said she would not only grow enough vegetables for her family's consumption but will also generate income to repay loans. "It's a major relief for my family and livestock. Sometimes we trek long distances in search of water for our livestock but with the storage tanks that will be a thing of the past," she said. 

On his part, John Kamande another beneficiary urged both levels of the government to utilise the rainy season to implement water harvesting initiatives for communities living in arid areas. 

"It is tragic that despite experiencing floods during the rainy season, many of these regions still struggle with severe water shortages, sometimes even leading to loss of life," he said. 

Kagiri echoed the sentiments decrying that despite the lack of water in the dry areas, locals turn to victims after the rains.