Ninety boreholes will be drilled in drought-prone Baringo after the Japanese government gave Kenya Sh137 million for the project.

Speaking during the grant signing at Treasury yesterday, Japanese ambassador to Kenya Toshihisa Takata said a detailed design will be prepared for the construction of the boreholes, procurement and maintenance of equipment.

Finance Minister Njeru Githae said building of the boreholes will be very beneficial since water supply represents a challenge to many Kenyan communities.

He said the boreholes will be equipped with appropriate pumping facilities, storage tanks, water pipelines and cattle troughs. He said half will be solar-powered so they can reach some of the most remote areas of Baringo. Githae said part of the money will be used to train extension officers at the district water office.