On Wednesday, February 1, the Kenyan government announced that it had secured a Ksh15.5 billion loan from World Bank.
The details of the loan were announced by Water Cabinet Secretary (CS) Alice Wahome during the launch of the Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Regional Program at Sarova Panafric Hotel, Nairobi.
Wahome noted that the loan will advance the design of groundwater interventions and increase the sustainable access and management of groundwater.
“I am pleased to note the critical role played by the World Bank to finance this project through a loan of Ksh15.5 billion. The money will be disbursed within six years running from 2022 to 2027,” the CS announced.
Wahome further noted that the loan will be key in achieving President William Ruto’s economic plan.
“This project will be key in achieving Kenya Kwanza’s manifesto on reducing the cost of living, creating jobs, and improving the livelihood of the people,” she explained.
In a separate statement, Wahome revealed that five counties that fall into the Arid and semi-Arid Land (ASAL) category including Garissa, Mandera, Marsabit, Turkana, and Wajir will benefit from the programme.
The money will be used to rehabilitate over 400 rural schemes in ASAL regions as well as drill new drought-strategic boreholes where feasible.
“We will also develop stakeholders' capacity and strengthen the enabling environment,” she added in a statement.
Particularly, the money will go a long way towards conserving groundwater resources and building resilience against drought as well as enhancing monitoring, information, and knowledge systems in groundwater management.
World Bank is advancing Ksh48 billion to Horn of Africa Countries through the Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Regional Program.
Other Horn of Africa countries set to benefit from the program that aims at tapping groundwater potential and boosting climate resilience include Ethiopia and Somalia.
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