The diesel-powered generator the community members used before the installation of a solar powered water pumping system. Photo Stephanie Machua/NAPAD
Mandera County, like other Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties, faces a disproportionately high vulnerability to climate-related shocks, particularly persistent droughts, despite contributing minimally to global emissions. Mandera experienced the adverse effects of the 2020-2023 Horn of Africa drought, resulting from five consecutive failed rainy seasons, and is currently in the recovery phase. The county is also preparing to mitigate the impact of the anticipated El Niño phenomenon during the October to December rainy season, as forecasted by The Kenya Meteorological Department.
"This was a big problem for the community of Kabo village. "I can't stress enough how tough the past years have been for our community due to the drought and the constant breakdown of our diesel pump. It forced the women and girls to walk for long hours in search of water, which was not only extremely time-intensive but also labor-intensive. Some of our livestock also died due to lack of pasture and dehydration."
Suleiman Sheik, Kabo village Chief
The solar powered system, enclosed in a perimeter fence. Photo Stephanie Machua/NAPAD
To improve access to water for vulnerable drought-affected communities in Mandera, Nomadic Assistance for Peace and Development (NAPAD) in partnership with OXFAM through an emergency WASH project installed a solar-powered water pumping system in Kabo village that is now supplying clean and affordable water to the community. The utilization of solar power in this pumping system is offering a sustainable alternative that is operationally, financially, and environmentally friendly.
It has been several months since the Kabo village water management committee officially took over the responsibility for the water system. The system has been consistently providing safe and clean water to over 798 households. “Previously, the water management used to charge KES.10 per jerrican of water but now they only charge KES. 2.5 per jerrican, this change has brought immense relief to the community as they now have an abundant supply of water for their livestock, and the women have sufficient water for their household needs.”
Children happily come together at the water point in the village to fetch clean water. Photo Stephanie Machua/NAPAD
To ensure the sustainability of the system, NAPAD provided training to solar operators. This training covered the operation and maintenance of the solar system, as well as the adoption of best practices in water and hygiene management uniting them in their shared responsibility of management of the system and minimizing the likelihood of using unsafe water. Many households continue to be in desperate need of clean water in Mandera. NAPAD requires more funding to continue providing access to lifesaving, affordable water to crisis-affected communities in the Horn of Africa through the establishment of more solar-powered water supply infrastructures to the rural communities, ensuring a more reliable and sustainable source of clean water for those in need.