Nyathuna: In a major boost for climate resilience, Kiambu County has completed drilling the Githunguri-Gichamu borehole in Nyathuna Ward.
According to Kenya News Agency, the project, carried out under the Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) programme, was overseen by the Climate Change Unit together with the Climate Change Ward Committee. The drilling marks a key step in county efforts to bolster water security amid growing climate stressors.
At the site, area MCA Eddy Kinyanjui expressed optimism about the project's impact, saying it will 'go a long way in addressing water scarcity in the area,' according to the county's Department of Environment and Climate Change. Once complete, the borehole will be equipped with solar powered pumping infrastructure, connected to an elevated storage tank, and piped to serve local households. The solarisation ensures sustainable operation even in remote or off grid areas, reducing reliance on grid electricity and lowering operational costs.
The Nyathuna borehole is one of several community driven climate resilience interventions being implemented under FLLoCA in Kiambu. The county is also supporting water harvesting systems, catchment protection, and reforestation to strengthen climate adaptation and safeguard local ecosystems. These initiatives align with FLLoCA's aim to empower communities to identify, plan, and execute locally relevant climate actions.
FLLoCA, a five-year programme backed by the Government of Kenya, the World Bank, and other partners, seeks to decentralise climate financing and decision-making to the ward level. Its objectives include building county capacity for climate planning, budgeting, implementation, and monitoring, while fostering citizen engagement in adaptation and mitigation efforts.
In Kiambu, the County Climate Change Unit works in tandem with ward committees and community groups to draw up climate proposals. Projects like borehole drilling and solarisation are scored and funded based on local priorities and climate risk assessments under FLLoCA's performance grant model.
For many residents of Nyathuna Ward, the borehole brings long-awaited hope. 'We've had years where we walk for more than two kilometers just to find water, especially during dry seasons,' said Nancy Njoki, a local resident. 'This project means our children will have clean water nearby, and it will save us a lot of time and effort.'
Water scarcity has been a persistent challenge in Kabete Sub-County, especially during prolonged dry spells. The new borehole is expected to ease pressure on existing sources, shorten distances for women and children fetching water, and enhance resilience against climate-induced droughts.
Looking ahead, the county plans further installations of solar boreholes in underserved wards, expanded piped networks, and integration of sustainable water systems into local development plans. These actions reflect Governor Kimani Wamatangi's vision of promoting climate-smart water solutions across Kiambu, a strategy aimed at strengthening livelihoods and securing water supply in an uncertain climate.
As the Nyathuna facility transitions from drilling to commissioning, local residents and stakeholders are watching closely. If properly maintained and managed, this borehole could become a model of sustainable water access under community-led climate adaptation.