The water expert who led studies behind the discovery of Napuu and Lotikipi aquifers in Turkana has urged the County Government and partners to pursue further exploration of Turkana’s underground water potential. Dr. Alain Gachet, the President and CEO of Radar Technologies International (RTI) said the Survey of Groundwater in northern-central Turkana in 2012, also showed the potential of shallow and deep groundwater in all the regions and the potential quality of the water available through the Water Technology developed through his company.
In a meeting with water stakeholders at the Turkana Basin Institute, Dr. Gachet presented the findings of the exploration and advised the County Water Department and the partners present to conduct further studies as there is already a basis for the availability of water through the findings of the studies. The project led to the discovery of the two main aquifers, the Napuu alluvial aquifer, and Lotikipi Basin aquifer. He urged the county to partner with USAID who are currently working with USGS hydrogeologists on groundwater studies for Turkana.
He promised also that through his company, he is willing to train officers on the use of the technology implored. RTI was the company consulted to conduct groundwater potential exploration studies for Turkana county in 2012- 2013 through UNESCO, the Government of Kenya, and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The studies covered Lotikipi and Lodwar Basins covering Turkana West, Turkana Central, Turkana North, and part of Turkana South.
Director of Water Services Tito Ochieng said the County Government was committed to groundwater research. He expressed hope that an MOU will be signed between the county and RTI to further assist in the research and development of the groundwater studies. He announced that a water quality lab is in the process of being equipped and will aid in the studies of the water quality for major aquifers like Lotikipi and Napuu and determine the suitability for use.
