AiBotNairobi, Kenya – The Government of Kenya has recently launched a groundbreaking water harvesting system, dubbed ‘Suka yiguni’, aimed at combating droughts and ensuring a reliable water supply for rural communities. This innovative initiative was unveiled by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Natural Resources, in collaboration with international development partners.
The ‘Suka yiguni’ system, which translates to ‘rainwater storage’ in the local Kikuyu language, is a community-led project that seeks to harvest and conserve rainfall for agriculture, domestic use, and livestock. This sustainable approach to water management is expected to boost crop yields, improve food security, and enhance the overall livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
According to the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Natural Resources, ‘Suka yiguni’ involves the construction of concrete-lined bunds and soak pits to store and percolate rainfall, thereby replenishing groundwater aquifers. This approach not only reduces evaporation losses but also minimizes soil erosion and landslides.
The pilot phase of the project has been successfully implemented in several arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya, including Turkana and Samburu counties. Initial results indicate that the ‘Suka yiguni’ system has significantly increased water availability for irrigation, resulting in improved crop yields and reduced crop failures.
The ‘Suka yiguni’ initiative has also been praised for its potential to empower women and youth in rural communities. By providing access to clean water and creating income-generating opportunities, the project aims to promote gender equality and social cohesion.
International development partners, including the African Development Bank and the United Nations Development Programme, have pledged support for the ‘Suka yiguni’ project. The World Bank has also committed to providing a comprehensive assessment of the project’s impact, with a view to scaling up its implementation nationwide.
In a statement, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Water, and Natural Resources, Keriako Tobiko, emphasized the importance of ‘Suka yiguni’ in contributing to the country’s overall water security goals. “This innovative system has shown tremendous promise in addressing droughts and ensuring a reliable water supply for our rural communities,” he noted.
As Kenya continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change and drought, the ‘Suka yiguni’ water harvesting system offers a beacon of hope for a more resilient and sustainable future.