Mandera County has intensified emergency water supply efforts in Mandera West Sub-county following prolonged dry conditions that have sharply increased demand for water among households and pastoral communities.
The County Department of Water Services conducted a monitoring exercise to assess ongoing water interventions in the area, where most earth pans have dried up, and only a few retain minimal water.
As a result, water trucking has become the primary source of supply for many residents and livestock keepers.
Currently, seven water bowsers are operating across 60 distribution points in Mandera West, with 40 sites designated for domestic use and 20 serving livestock.
In addition, 12 functional boreholes are actively supporting communities across the sub-county, helping to cushion residents from the worst impacts of the drought.
County officials said water demand continues to rise as dry conditions persist, prompting plans to scale up water trucking operations and strengthen borehole support to ensure sustained access for both people and animals.
The monitoring mission forms part of a broader countywide initiative led by the Department of Water Services to review drought response measures.
Over the past two months, similar assessments have been carried out in Banisa and Kiliwehiri sub-counties, focusing on water trucking efficiency, borehole functionality, and coordination with local communities.
Officials emphasised the critical role played by community elders in managing water distribution and identifying priority needs at the grassroots level.
Their involvement, the county noted, has helped improve coordination and ensure that limited water resources reach the most vulnerable households and pastoral groups.
Mandera County continues to implement emergency and long-term water interventions as part of its wider drought response strategy, amid concerns that sustained dry weather could further strain already limited water sources across the region.