Nakuru County Turns to Boreholes Amid Water Crisis

The Nakuru County government has launched a major initiative to drill boreholes in response to a severe water shortage in the region. On March 27 2025, Deputy Governor David Kones officially commissioned a KSh 70 million water‐drilling rig at Nyayo Gardens in Nakuru City as part of the county’s strategy to supplement the stalled construction of the Itare Dam.
Water supply disruptions have become a recurring problem for households and businesses across Nakuru County, especially in the arid and rapidly growing urban areas. With the Itare Dam construction delayed, the county opted for an immediate fix by investing in a drilling fleet that can reach deep‐seated aquifers. The rig, according to Kones, will allow the county to sink boreholes in underserved wards and stabilize supply during dry spells.
The move has been welcomed by residents who have endured long hours of rationing and frequent dry taps. Local business leaders say the improved water access could revive small enterprises that depend on steady supply. However, civil society groups caution that drilling alone is not enough—investment in maintenance, equitable distribution, and community management systems will determine success.
Looking ahead, the county plans to deploy the drilling rig across multiple locations and monitor its performance over the next 12 months. If the groundwater option proves viable, Nakuru could reduce its reliance on surface water and drought‐prone sources. Still, experts warn that this is only a stop‐gap; the long‐term solution remains completion of the Itare Dam and broader water infrastructure upgrades for the region.