Concerns have been raised over vandalism of water infrastructure in Turkana West, which has also threatened access to clean water, escalating conflicts, and undermining substantial investments by water service providers and development partners.
During the Turkana West 3rd quarter 2024-2025 Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) stakeholders' forum, which brought together the National and County government agencies, alongside development partners, participants issued a strong warning to perpetrators and committed to escalating discussions to find lasting solutions. "The problem is becoming unbearable, and action must be taken to address it," said Turkana Rural Water Company Board Member, Godfrey Akolong, adding, "We need to engage all relevant stakeholders to develop an effective response." Akolong, who also serves as the Director supporting WASH initiatives, noted that water companies have suffered significant losses due to increasing non-revenue water, caused by vandalism and illegal connections. "Water assets must be protected lest water companies will continue to suffer losses, and partners' efforts will go to waste," he added.
Lokichoggio Deputy County Commissioner, Ooko Anyumba linked frequent water supply disruptions to rising tensions and conflicts in the area, calling for urgent intervention. "We have identified seven potential conflict zones in this region.
When water supply is cut whether due to drought or deliberate sabotage, the situation worsens.
