Situational Analysis of Groundwater Resources in Kenyan Drylands, Case study of Turkana County

Groundwater resources in Turkana County, Kenya, are predominantly shallow and saline, with high fluoride levels linked to volcanic deposits. A situational analysis found that boreholes near Lake Turkana were shallower (0-52m) compared to those farther inland (20-200m), often yielding low volumes (1.2-4.6 m³/hr) due to poor aquifer conditions in basement rocks. Groundwater quality was generally saline, with high total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), and chloride levels, but nitrate and nitrite levels were below safety standards, indicating minimal anthropogenic contamination. The study used a combination of hydrogeological surveys, water quality analysis, and spatial data to assess groundwater distribution, depth, yield, and chemical composition, providing critical baseline data for water resource planning in arid regions.

Makokha, M., Kweyu, R., Obando, J., & Asokan, S. (2024). Situational Analysis of Groundwater Resources in Kenyan Drylands, Case study of Turkana County. International Journal of Environment and Geoinformatics, 11(3), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.30897/ijegeo.1398321