BY ANGELA R. KIURA
Residents of Mwea Sub-County in Embu County have called for the immediate deployment of the county’s borehole drilling machine, citing persistent water shortages that continue to disrupt households, farming, and livestock keeping despite heavy public investment in water infrastructure.
The borehole drilling equipment, procured by the Embu County Government in 2024 at an estimated cost of between Sh53 million and Sh62.5 million alongside two support trucks, was intended to boost access to water in semi-arid parts of the county.
However, residents say Mwea has yet to benefit from the machine.
Speaking to the press, residents claimed the equipment has either remained idle or been deployed to other regions within Embu County, leaving Mwea residents grappling with chronic water scarcity.
“We are aware that the drilling machine was purchased, but it has never been deployed to Mwea Sub-County. Yet this area contributes significant revenue, which is enough to support the drilling of boreholes,” said Antony Ngosi, a resident.
Another resident, Joseph Ndunda, questioned the county government’s commitment to easing the burden on women, who bear the brunt of water scarcity.
“We were told during campaign meetings that women would no longer struggle carrying water containers. With less than a year to the next elections, we are asking when these promises will be fulfilled if the machine has never been seen here,” Ndunda said.
Residents say the prolonged water shortage has forced families to trek long distances in search of water in the crocodile infested rivers, affecting daily life and undermining economic activities.
Small-scale farming and livestock production—key sources of income in the area—have been particularly affected.
Joseph Muema, another resident noted that unreliable water supply has made it difficult for farmers to sustain crop production and adequately provide water for their animals, threatening household livelihoods.
Women and girls, residents say, are among the most affected. Olive Ndunge said the drilling of boreholes in Mwea would significantly reduce the hours women and girls spend searching for water, freeing time for school, income-generating activities, and household responsibilities.
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In response to the concerns, Engineer Albert Gatuta, a Chief Technical Officer in the Water and Infrastructure sector at the Embu County Government, said the borehole drilling machine is in good condition and has been used in other parts of the county.
Speaking via a mobile interview, Gatuta explained that operating the machine was costly and requires a dedicated annual budget. He added that the county has made plans to expand borehole drilling in the coming financial year.
“In the 2025/2026 financial year, the county plans to drill 30 boreholes. Out of these, four will be drilled in Mwea Sub-County,” Gatuta said on phone.
Residents have welcomed the assurance but insist that timely implementation will be key, urging the county administration to prioritize water-stressed areas and ensure transparent deployment of the drilling equipment to deliver on its promise of improved access to clean and reliable water.
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