Residents of Kagaa in Kamburu ward, Kiambu County, are set to benefit from a new borehole that promises to ease decades of water scarcity in the area.
The project, completed last month, is part of ongoing efforts by the county government to expand access to clean and safe water.
The borehole, fitted with a solar-powered pumping system, has the capacity to produce over 10,000 litres of water per hour and storage tanks have been installed to ensure a continuous supply, serving both Kagaa residents and neighboring communities.
For years, families in Kagaa have struggled with limited access to water, often walking long distances to fetch it. Women and children bore the brunt of this challenge, spending hours each day queuing for water instead of engaging in school or work.
During dry seasons, many relied on unsafe sources, leaving households vulnerable to waterborne diseases.
“This borehole is truly a blessing to our community,” said Grace Nyambura, a farmer and mother of four. “We used to wake up at 4 a.m. to look for water and sometimes came back with nothing. Now, our children can focus on their studies, and women have more time for farming and other work,” she added.
According to local leaders, residents were consulted throughout the process, from site selection to drilling, to ensure the facility met community needs.
County officials have indicated that the Kagaa borehole is one of several being developed under a wider water and sanitation programme.
Governor Kimani Wamatangi has previously stated that water access is a key priority for his administration, with plans to drill and solarize community boreholes across all wards in the county. He says the initiative is intended to provide sustainable and affordable water solutions while reducing reliance on electricity.
Beyond improving household access, the Kagaa project is expected to spur economic activity. Reliable water will support small-scale agriculture, livestock farming, and local businesses, while creating opportunities for youth in system maintenance and management.
For the Kagaa community, the new borehole represents more than just a water source; it is seen as a turning point toward better health, education, and livelihoods.
By Andrew Mwasaru
