Clean Water Milestone: 10th Borehole

In the arid expanses of Turkana, a region in northern Kenya where the sun beats down relentlessly and water is scarcer than hope, access to clean water has long been a distant dream for many communities. Families have walked miles under the scorching heat to fetch water from contaminated sources, risking illness and exhaustion just to survive. This month, Digital Bearers reached a significant milestone by drilling our 10th borehole in Turkana, bringing clean, safe water to 500 more people in a drought-stricken region where every drop counts.

The new borehole, located in the village of Lokitaung, is more than just a source of water—it’s a source of life. Women no longer have to spend hours walking to fetch water, children can attend school instead of helping their mothers, and the community is healthier and more resilient. The celebration that marked the borehole’s opening was filled with song, dance, and gratitude, as residents saw their daily struggles ease with the turn of a tap. This milestone is a testament to the power of clean water to transform lives, and it fuels our determination to bring this basic necessity to even more communities across Kenya.

A Lifeline in the Desert

Turkana is one of the driest regions in Kenya, where prolonged droughts and climate change have made water scarcity a constant challenge. The landscape is dotted with dry riverbeds and thorny acacias, and the few natural water sources—such as seasonal rivers and shallow wells—are often contaminated with bacteria, parasites, and sediment. For the people of Lokitaung, a remote village in Turkana, accessing clean water meant walking up to 10 kilometers each day, a task that fell primarily on women and girls. This journey was not only physically exhausting but also dangerous, exposing them to risks like dehydration, heatstroke, and attacks by wild animals.

The lack of clean water had far-reaching consequences for the community. Waterborne diseases like diarrhea, typhoid, and cholera were common, particularly among children, who often missed school due to illness. The time spent fetching water also meant that women had little opportunity to engage in other activities, such as farming or income-generating work, while girls were frequently absent from school to help their mothers. The contaminated water sources also affected livestock, a key source of livelihood for Turkana’s pastoralist communities, leading to weaker animals and reduced milk production. “We used to get sick all the time from the water,” said Nailepu, a mother of five. “My children couldn’t go to school because they were always unwell.”

The new borehole in Lokitaung has changed this reality for 500 people. Drilled to a depth of 80 meters, the borehole taps into a clean underground aquifer, providing a reliable supply of safe water. A hand pump was installed to make the water easily accessible, and a solar-powered system was added to ensure sustainability, reducing the need for costly fuel or repairs. On the day the borehole was opened, the community gathered to celebrate, with children splashing water on each other and elders giving thanks for what they called a “miracle.” “I can get water right here in the village now,” said Nailepu. “My children are healthy, and they can go to school every day.”

The borehole’s impact goes beyond health and education. With water now available nearby, women have more time to engage in productive activities, such as growing vegetables in small gardens or making crafts to sell at the market. This extra income is helping families afford school fees, medical care, and better food. The availability of clean water has also improved livestock health, as animals can now drink safe water, leading to better milk yields and stronger herds. “My goats are producing more milk now,” said Ekai, a herder in Lokitaung. “I can sell the milk and buy things for my family.” The borehole is not just providing water—it’s providing a foundation for economic stability and growth.

Overcoming the Challenges of Drilling

Drilling a borehole in Turkana is no easy task, and the journey to our 10th borehole was fraught with challenges. The region’s harsh terrain posed a significant obstacle, as the rocky, sandy soil made it difficult to transport heavy drilling equipment. Our team had to navigate narrow, unpaved paths, often getting stuck in sand or detouring around washed-out sections of the road. At one point, a sudden dust storm delayed the drilling process for a day, as visibility dropped to near zero and the team had to take shelter. “The conditions were tough,” said a member of the drilling crew. “But we knew how much this borehole meant to the community.”

Finding a suitable location for the borehole was another challenge. Turkana’s geology is complex, with underground aquifers often located at great depths or in unpredictable locations. Before drilling began, our team conducted a hydrogeological survey, using satellite data and local knowledge to identify a spot with a high likelihood of water. Even then, there was no guarantee of success—previous attempts in the region had resulted in dry wells. After two days of drilling, the team finally struck water at 80 meters, a moment of relief and celebration. “We were so happy when we saw water,” said the lead geologist. “It meant we could keep our promise to the community.”

Community tensions also posed a challenge. In a region where water is scarce, a new borehole can sometimes lead to disputes over access, with neighboring villages feeling left out. To address this, we worked closely with local leaders to ensure the borehole would benefit the entire community of Lokitaung and to plan for future projects in nearby areas. A water management committee was formed, made up of men and women from the village, to oversee the borehole’s use and maintenance. This committee ensures that water is shared fairly and that the borehole is kept in good condition. “We all agreed to work together,” said a committee member. “This water is for everyone.”

Funding the project was another hurdle. Drilling a borehole is a costly endeavor, requiring specialized equipment, skilled labor, and ongoing maintenance. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we were able to secure the necessary funds, but we had to carefully manage our budget to ensure the project stayed on track. The decision to use a solar-powered pump, while more expensive upfront, will save costs in the long run by reducing the need for fuel or repairs. “Every shilling counts,” said our project manager. “We wanted to make sure this borehole would last for years.”

Community Ownership and Sustainability

Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the borehole was a key priority for this project. From the outset, we involved the Lokitaung community in every step of the process, from planning to implementation, to foster a sense of ownership. The water management committee, established before the borehole was drilled, underwent training on how to maintain the pump, monitor water quality, and resolve any disputes over access. “We learned how to take care of the borehole,” said a committee member. “It’s our responsibility now.”

The use of a solar-powered pump enhances the borehole’s sustainability by eliminating the need for expensive fuel, which is hard to come by in Turkana. The solar panels also require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for a remote area where technical support is limited. To protect the borehole from damage, the community built a simple fence around it, using local materials like wood and wire. They also planted thorny bushes around the perimeter to deter animals, ensuring the water remains clean and safe for human use. “We want this borehole to last for our children,” said an elder in Lokitaung. “We’ll do whatever it takes to protect it.”

We also introduced water conservation practices to ensure the borehole’s supply isn’t overused. The committee was trained to monitor water levels and educate the community on using water efficiently, such as avoiding waste and prioritizing drinking and cooking over less essential tasks. Small vegetable gardens, supported by the borehole, are being watered using drip irrigation to minimize water loss. “We don’t take the water for granted,” said a farmer in Lokitaung. “We use it wisely so it can last.” These practices are helping the community make the most of their new water source while preserving it for the future.

Community contributions also play a role in the borehole’s sustainability. Each household in Lokitaung pays a small monthly fee—equivalent to a few shillings—which is collected by the committee to cover minor repairs and maintenance. This system ensures that the borehole remains operational even if unexpected issues arise. “Everyone gives a little, and it adds up,” said the committee treasurer. “We’re all invested in keeping the water flowing.” By empowering the community to take charge of the borehole, we’re ensuring that this milestone will have a lasting impact.

The Ripple Effects of Clean Water

The 10th borehole in Turkana is creating ripple effects that extend far beyond the 500 people it directly serves. With clean water now available, the health of the Lokitaung community has improved dramatically. Children are no longer falling ill from waterborne diseases, allowing them to attend school regularly and focus on their studies. “My daughter used to miss school because of stomach pains,” said a mother in Lokitaung. “Now she’s healthy and learning every day.” This improvement in health is also reducing the burden on local clinics, which were previously overwhelmed with cases of diarrhea and typhoid.

Education has also received a boost. With girls no longer spending hours fetching water, they can attend school consistently, closing the gender gap in education that has long plagued Turkana. Teachers report that attendance has increased, and students are more engaged in class, as they’re no longer exhausted from long walks or weakened by illness. “The girls are coming to school every day now,” said a teacher in Lokitaung. “They’re doing so well in their studies.” This increased access to education is giving the children of Lokitaung the chance to build a better future for themselves and their community.

Economically, the borehole is empowering the community to thrive. Women, freed from the burden of fetching water, are using their time to start small businesses, such as selling vegetables grown with borehole water or making beaded jewelry to sell at the market. The extra income is helping families afford necessities like school uniforms, medical care, and better food. Men, too, are benefiting, as healthier livestock means more milk and meat to sell. “I’m earning more now because I have time to work,” said a woman in Lokitaung. “I can take care of my family better.” The borehole is not just providing water—it’s providing opportunity.

Socially, the borehole has brought the community together. The water management committee has become a platform for collaboration, with members working together to address other community needs, such as organizing clean-up days or advocating for better roads. The celebration of the borehole’s opening strengthened social bonds, as neighbors shared meals, songs, and stories, reflecting on how far they’ve come. “We’re stronger now,” said a community leader. “The borehole has shown us what we can achieve when we work together.” This sense of unity is a powerful foundation for future development in Lokitaung.

A Future with Water for All

The 10th borehole in Turkana is a milestone worth celebrating, but it’s also a reminder of how much work remains to be done. Millions of Kenyans still lack access to clean water, and regions like Turkana continue to bear the brunt of drought and climate change. Building on this achievement, Digital Bearers is committed to drilling 20 more boreholes over the next three years, bringing clean water to an additional 10,000 people. Each borehole we drill is a step toward a future where no one has to walk miles for water or risk their health to survive.

We’re also exploring innovative solutions to expand water access in remote areas. One initiative is to pilot rainwater harvesting systems in communities near boreholes, providing an additional water source during the rainy season. Another is to introduce water purification technologies, such as solar-powered filters, to make existing water sources safer in areas where drilling isn’t feasible. We’re also working with local governments to advocate for better water infrastructure, such as piped systems, to reach more people efficiently. “Water is life,” said our project director. “We’ll keep finding ways to bring it to those who need it.”

Community training will remain a key part of our approach. We plan to expand our water management workshops, teaching more communities how to maintain their water sources and use water sustainably. We’re also developing programs to teach children about the importance of water conservation, ensuring that the next generation grows up with a deep respect for this precious resource. “We want kids to understand why water matters,” said a trainer in Turkana. “They’re the ones who will protect it in the future.”

The 10th borehole in Turkana is a symbol of hope, resilience, and the power of clean water to transform lives. For the 500 people in Lokitaung, it’s a new beginning—a chance to live healthier, learn better, and thrive together. For Digital Bearers, it’s a milestone that inspires us to keep going, to keep drilling, and to keep fighting for a world where clean water is a right, not a privilege. With the support of our donors and the strength of communities like Lokitaung, we’re turning the dream of water for all into a reality, one borehole at a time.

The arid lands of Turkana may be harsh, but the spirit of its people is unbreakable. The 10th borehole is proof of what’s possible when we come together to address one of humanity’s most basic needs. As the children of Lokitaung splash in the clean water, as the women plant their gardens, and as the community dreams of a brighter future, we’re reminded of why we do this work. Clean water isn’t just a resource—it’s a foundation for life, and we’re honored to help build it, drop by precious drop.