Kwale invests in desalination technologies to combat water scarcity

Kwale county is promoting small-scale energy sufficient desalination plants using reverse osmosis and membrane filtration to address salinity and water scarcity.

Several villages along the coastline grapple with the challenges posed by saline groundwater intrusion rendering water sources unsafe for consumption due to the higher salt concentration.

 Stakeholders contend that small islands in the coastal region are often faced with the challenges of providing clean and drinking water for island dwellers.

 The county is deploying solar-powered desalination technologies known as photovoltaic sea water reverse osmosis to supply high quality drinking water supported by renewable energy at affordable costs.

 Governor Fatuma Achani says the devolved government is seeking to expand its desalination capacities to address the persistent water scarcity and enhance long-term water security.

 Achani says to enhance long-term water security in the face of scarcity, the county is pursuing strategies such as improving water infrastructure and promoting water-efficient technologies like drip irrigation and desalination processes.

 She said the county is not only addressing immediate water scarcity challenges, but also laying the groundwork for long-term resilience against climate change and growing demand.

 The desalination efforts aim to address drinking water supply while mitigating the impacts of climate change and resource scarcity.

 “We are building water resilience and cultivating a sustainable water future assuring our people access to safe water for all,” she said, adding that Kwale is positioning itself as a leader in water security across the coastal region.

 She said the desalination initiative is designed to supply water for domestic and agricultural use stressing on the critical role of clean and accessible water in improving public health, economic development and climate resilience.

 Achani was speaking when she commissioned a solar-powered water project with reverse osmosis in Kilibasi village, Mackinnon ward, Kinango subcounty.

 “This project marks a major milestone in our efforts to bring safe, clean and reliable water supply to every corner of Kwale,” she said, adding that clean water is not just a fundamental human right but also a foundation for sustainable development.

 Accompanied by Water executive Hemed Mwabudzo, the governor said the project is fully equipped with desalination technology and will serve over 400 households with fresh water.

 Achani said the county would be addressing water problems faced by residents, especially on small islands and other dry areas.

 She said her administration is committed to ensuring the issue of water scarcity becomes a history noting that since the inception of devolution in 2013, Kwale has constructed 50 large and medium water dams and drilled 60 boreholes besides laying 500km of water pipelines.

 Achani says water is life and plays an important role in fostering peace and prosperity and conflict prevention among communities.

 She appealed to residents to take ownership of the projects, ensuring their protection and sustainability for future generations.

 She noted that water not only prevents disease outbreaks, but also enhances school attendance among children and reduces the risk of sexual abuse often faced by women and girls in search of the precious commodity.

 Achani said not only will the lives of women get easier due to easy water access at the comfort of their homes due to piped water supply, but also benefits like reduction of diseases like cholera and typhoid caused by dirty water among families would be realised.

 Residents, led by Juma Makanju, expressed gratitude and praised the county government’s efforts to address water scarcity in arid and semi-arid areas.

 “Residents have been traveling nearly 40km in search of potable drinking water,” he added.

 Makanju said residents especially in remote and far-flung areas of Kwale are still battling with severe cases of water scarcity.

 His sentiments were echoed by Sanita Charo, who noted that the borehole will be of great help, especially to women, who are most affected by water scarcity.