Turkanas’ relationship with refugees dates back to the early 1990s, that is more than three decades of interaction resulting in a certain admirable level of integration which has been achieved.
It is against this background that significant strides have been made to improve water access for the 500,000 people living in the town.
Kakuma is a town in Turkana County that hosts a large refugee population. Located 95 kilometres from Lodwar, Kakuma is a vibrant community that has seen considerable investment in water infrastructure.
Upon arrival in Kabokorit, on the outskirts of Kakuma, the efforts to enhance water access are evident. Elevated tanks, water kiosks, and extended pipelines are common sights.
Daily, women and children can be seen fetching water, while car wash facilities and water vendors illustrate the socio-economic transformation catalyzed by improved water access.
Kakuma is hosting the World Refugee Day 2024 celebrations, an event dedicated to honouring the resilience and courage of refugees worldwide. This year, special attention is given to the collective efforts by state and non-state actors in improving water services for refugees.
Within the Camp: Water for Human Consumption
Sindaye and Zena Isongo, refugees in Kakuma One camp, shared their experiences.
“When we arrived in 2016, we had nothing—no homes, no toilets, no water,” Zena recalled.
“Now, thanks to Peace Winds Japan, we have water access twice daily.”
She led me to a compound where over 40 tap stands were equipped with multiple outlets.
Speaking in Swahili, Zena emphasized the community’s transformation due to improved water access.
Sindaye, the local water committee chair, praised the peaceful cooperation fostered by the committee, highlighting the importance of “Water for Peace.”
The camp is serviced by 22 solar-powered boreholes, supporting 42 supply lines. Augustine Loduk, a WASH officer with Peace Winds Japan, detailed the arrangements ensuring equitable water distribution.
Local WASH committees mobilized members to construct protective structures around water points, deterring vandalism.
Beyond the Camp: Water for Agriculture and Livestock
Water is equally crucial for agriculture and livestock. AbdulAziz Lugazo, a Somali refugee and chair of a local farmers’ association, lauded Team and Team International for promoting agricultural water access and resources.
Leah Asami, a project manager, explained their initiatives, including installing 22 tap stands across farms and training farmers on sustainable practices.
Team and Team International’s three-year program focuses on sustainable groundwater extraction and utilization, addressing climate change challenges.
Sub County Water Engineer Emmanuel Echapan highlighted ISRAAID’s efforts in water quality, including the installation of a fluoridation plant, the first in Turkana.
 Technological Innovations in Water Access
Exploring innovative water technologies, I visited Kawarnaparan Primary School, where Fumiaki Murakami of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) demonstrated a new technology using hand pumps to ensure continuous water supply.
This affordable, low-maintenance solution aims to reduce conflict over water access.
Murakami introduced a new technology that utilizes the elevation of hand pumps to ensure continuous water supply, offering an affordable and low-maintenance solution.
“We are currently piloting the technology; however, I can tell you that it is a better alternative to the normal solar powered schemes which shuts down when light is minimized by changes in weather patterns,” Murakami explains.
In his view, hand pumps have been identified as conflict hotspots as people are easy to compete to pump, thus escalating confrontations.
“In this technology, only one or two people will be pumping the water to the reservoir tanks to supply water to pipelines and connected water taps. The pressure on the pump is therefore reduced,” he said.
 Grassroots Efforts in Water Access
TCDM, working with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), addresses immediate water needs through water trucking to host communities.
Executive Director Peter Elim highlighted their efforts in pipeline connectivity and tank installation in Kambi America and Kabokorit.
Patrick Losike Lokaimoe, CECM for Water Services, emphasized the importance of coordinated planning among numerous stakeholders to maximize the impact of water access initiatives.
As Kakuma celebrates World Refugee Day 2024, the collaborative efforts of various organizations in improving water access for both host and refugee communities stand as a testament to the power of small efforts making big impacts.
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