New borehole to combat drought and insecurity in Wajir

HAMDI BUTHUL-KNA

The United Kingdom, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, has unveiled the Geriley Community Borehole in Wajir County, marking the final intervention under the UK-funded Deris Wanaag regional peace and security programme.

The borehole, identified by local residents, aims to address the effects of climate shocks that have contributed to recurring drought, water shortages, and insecurity in the Kenya–Somalia–Ethiopia borderlands.

Speaking during the launch, Deris Wanaag Project Team Lead Mr. Ibrahim Hussein Somo said the intervention reflects community-driven solutions to local challenges.

“This borehole is an example of how flexible and agile donor programming approaches can meaningfully address community and government priorities. 

Deris Wanaag was not initially designed to deliver a borehole initiative, but the programme was able to respond to genuine needs on the ground and deliver for the people,” said Somo.

He added that as the project phase concludes, the team is proud of the partnerships built, resilience strengthened and progress made in supporting vulnerable groups and promoting peace across the borderlands.

Mr Ben Fisher, Head of the UK’s Integrated Security Fund and Senior Regional Conflict Advisor at the British High Commission Nairobi, said the UK remains committed to working with the Ministry of Interior, local leadership and communities to enhance stability in the region.

“This borehole is a practical example of how collaboration can help communities cope with climate pressures, the influence of violent groups like al-Shabaab, and the risk of conflicts over limited resources,” he said.