Livestock farmers in Isiolo are still reeling the effects of inadequate rains or complete lack of it-leading to deaths and loss of their animals.
Isiolo County, located in the arid eastern region of Kenya, is grappling with an acute water shortage.
The national government and the county government seem to be doing little despite millions of shillings being allocated to the Northern Water Works Development Agency (NWWDA).

It is feared that at least 14,000 animals have been lost in the county between March 2024 and January 2025 due to the mini-drought effects.Residents and leaders in Isiolo and neighboring Garissa County have recently raised concerns about the agency’s failure to address water challenges and offer sustainable water solutions.
The region, which spans 25,336 square kilometers and serves as a gateway to Kenya’s northern territories, is home to diverse communities including the Borana, Meru, Somali, and Samburu. These groups rely primarily on livestock and small-scale farming to sustain their livelihoods. However, recurrent droughts and low rainfall patterns have left Isiolo’s residents struggling to access clean water for both domestic and agricultural purposes.

The NWWDA, tasked with managing water resources across Kenya’s northern counties, is under fire for failing to address these persistent challenges. Local leaders accuse the agency of mismanaging funds allocated for water infrastructure projects and failing to prioritize long-term solutions for arid and semi-arid counties like Isiolo and Garissa.
“This crisis is unacceptable,” said a community leader in Isiolo. “We hear of funds being released, but on the ground, the people are suffering. Our rivers are dry, and boreholes are either broken or insufficient to meet the demand.”
Isiolo Town, the county’s administrative and commercial hub, is among the hardest hit. The situation has forced residents to travel long distances in search of water, while others have been forced to purchase water at exorbitant prices. The water crisis has also affected wildlife in Isiolo’s vast landscapes, which are home to elephants, giraffes, zebras, and other species.
Isiolo County’s economy depends on agriculture, livestock, and tourism, but these sectors are now at risk due to the worsening water scarcity. The Isiolo International Airport and key road networks, which are critical for regional trade, are unlikely to bring long-term economic benefits unless the water crisis is addressed.

Local leaders are demanding transparency and accountability from the NWWDA. They are calling on the national government to investigate the agency’s operations and ensure that funds are used to implement meaningful water projects in northern Kenya.
The water shortage highlights a broader issue of neglect in Kenya’s arid regions. While Isiolo County boasts a rich cultural heritage and strategic importance, its development remains hindered by poor resource management and lack of investment in critical infrastructure.
Residents hope that increased pressure on the NWWDA and government intervention will lead to tangible solutions, ensuring that future allocations for water projects translate into reliable access for communities in need.
This comes at the backdrop of emerging power battles among board of directors over multi-million tender deals.
Section of the board of directors are believed to be dissatisfied with how the CEO Andrew Rage and Chairperson Nasri Sahal Ibrahim are conducting operations at the agency
The battle revolves around control of donor funds and the tendering process with the procurement office reportedly under siege from instructions from the directors and the CEO