NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops deployed in Wajir County have carried out a Civil–Military Cooperation (CIMIC) humanitarian operation to supply emergency water to residents of Abaqhalul Centre in Wajir South Sub-County, following reports of an acute water shortage.
The operation was mounted after a distress call indicated that the community’s primary water source had been depleted amid persistent drought conditions affecting large parts of northern Kenya.
During the mission, KDF personnel delivered water into a communal underground tank, providing immediate relief to more than 100 households that had been struggling to access safe water.
Local leaders said the intervention would ease pressure on families who had been forced to travel long distances in search of water.
Speaking during the exercise, Abaqhalul Centre Chairman Mohamed Ali said the timely response would have a direct impact on education and household welfare.
“The availability of water will allow children to remain in school instead of spending hours searching for water under harsh conditions,” Ali said.
He added that the delivery would also ease the burden on women and mothers, who often bear the responsibility of securing water for their families.
“The water will give mothers more time to care for their children and manage household needs during this difficult period,” he said.
KDF officers on the ground assessed the broader situation and confirmed that the area is facing a serious water crisis, worsened by prolonged dry spells and unreliable rainfall.
The drought has continued to strain livelihoods across arid and semi-arid counties, with communities reporting livestock losses, food insecurity, and reduced access to basic services.
Wajir County remains among the regions most affected by recurring drought cycles, with water scarcity frequently disrupting schooling, healthcare access, and economic activity.
Security and humanitarian agencies have increasingly adopted integrated responses that combine relief assistance with community engagement, particularly in remote and vulnerable areas.
The KDF said the operation reflects its continued commitment to supporting civilian populations during emergencies, alongside its constitutional mandate to defend the country.
Under Article 241 of the Constitution, the Kenya Defence Forces may be deployed to assist civilian authorities in situations of emergency or disaster.
Residents of Abaqhalul Centre expressed gratitude to the soldiers, describing the intervention as a lifeline at a time when options were limited.
The mission concluded with calls for sustained humanitarian support to address the underlying impacts of drought and build longer-term resilience for affected communities.
