The NDMA CEO Hared Adan explains a point during the commissioning
of the water project./STEPHEN ASTARIKO.
The NDMA CEO Hared Adan speaking in Masalani during the commissioning
of the water project./STEPHEN ASTARIKO 
The principal secretary for ASAL and Regional development
Kello Harsama and other leaders during the commissioning of the Masalani water
project./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
After years of chronic water shortages, residents of Masalani town in Garissa County can finally breathe a sigh of relief following the commissioning of a major water project set to transform lives.
The Sh20.3 million project, funded by the National Drought Emergency Fund and implemented by the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), is expected to benefit over 2,300 families across the town and its surrounding villages.
The project includes a 4.4-kilometre pipeline, a 120,000-litre elevated steel tank, and a water kiosk to serve residents in Sarman, Qalanqal, and Bulla Saudi villages.
It will also supply clean water to more than 600 learners in local schools and madrassas.
For decades, residents of Masalani have struggled to access clean water—either buying it from vendors or trekking up to five kilometres to the river.
“I feel like I’m dreaming,” said Noor Mohamed, a 75-year-old resident.
“We’ve relied on trucks bringing untreated water, but we had no other choice. Now, clean water is finally at our doorstep.”
Fatuma Mohamed, 50, described how the shortage had forced women and young girls to spend hours each day searching for water—often at the expense of school time.
“This will change our lives,” she said. “We can now focus on earning income and ensuring our daughters stay in school. It’s a new dawn for us.”
Presiding over the commissioning on Thursday, Principal Secretary for ASAL and Regional Development Kello Harsama said the initiative was part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance drought resilience and improve livelihoods in arid and semi-arid areas.
“More than 12,000 people will now benefit from clean, reliable water,” said Harsama.
“This will ease the burden on women and children, improve health and education, and even support food production through kitchen gardens.”
He emphasized that the government remains committed to addressing the challenges of water scarcity, which continue to undermine health, education, and livelihoods in drought-prone regions.
NDMA CEO Hared Adan said the project marks a shift from emergency response to long-term resilience building.
“This is about reducing vulnerability and increasing readiness. But we call on the community to take ownership and safeguard this investment,” he urged.
Garissa Deputy Governor Abdi Dagane pledged that the county government would expand the project to more areas of Ijara Sub-county in the next financial year.
“Water is life, and our people have endured far too long without it,” Dagane said.
“This commissioning is a proud moment for all of us.”
The water project marks a significant milestone in efforts to provide sustainable solutions to drought-stricken communities in northern Kenya.
