This archive report was first published on 15 November 2019.
On November 15, 2019, Turkana County announced a partnership with a Saudi Arabia-based firm, Almar Water, to desalinate the aquifer water discovered in the region about seven years ago.
The project, which is expected to cost between Sh5 billion and Sh10 billion, will see the construction of a desalination plant on top of the Lotikipi aquifer in Nanam village.
According to Water Secretary Simon Chelugui, the national government is not aware of the contract, as water is under the county governments.
However, Chelugui noted that the national government is in talks with oil prospectors in the Turkana region for funding of a water line from Turkwel dam to Lodwar.
The discovery of the aquifer in 2013 revealed 250 billion cubic meters of water, which is believed to be the largest in the world and could meet Kenya's water needs for 70 years.
