Kenya's Environment Minister Judi Wakhungu recently announced the discovery of an enormous underground water reserve in the country's drought-stricken northwestern Turkana region.

 

The large aquifer, found in the Lotikipi Basin, is believed to contain 200 billion cubic meters of fresh water -- ten times more water than Kenya's current supply.

 

If estimates are correct, this would be a large enough reserve to fulfill all of Kenya's water needs for 70 years!

 

The aquifer was discovered by analyzing data from a layering satellite, radar, and geological maps in partnership with Unesco. For a region plagued with water insecurity and projected shortfalls over the coming decades, the finding has been called a "game changer" for the future of Kenya.

 

“The news about these water reserves comes at a time when reliable water supplies are highly needed,” says Judi Wakhungu of Kenya's environment, water and natural resources ministry.