Kakuma Refugee Camp and Kalobeyei Settlement, located in Turkana County, Kenya, are home to hundreds of thousands of refugees from countries such as South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These camps were established to provide safety, shelter, and basic needs to people fleeing war, hunger, and conflict.
However, in recent years, refugees in Kakuma and Kalobeyei have been facing a serious water shortage crisis. Since budget cuts during the Trump administration, the amount of water provided by humanitarian agencies such as UNHCR has greatly reduced. Many families now spend four to five days without any water from the taps.
When there is no water, refugees are forced to walk long distances to nearby lakes or open water sources. Unfortunately, this water is often unsafe for drinking, cooking, or washing. It can easily cause diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid — illnesses that can be deadly, especially for children and the elderly.
Impact on Women and Children
Women and children are the most affected by the shortage of water in Kakuma and Kalobeyei. They often walk for hours under the scorching sun to fetch water, carrying heavy containers back home. This exhausting work takes away time that could be used for school, rest, or other important activities.
Community Tensions
The lack of clean water has also caused tension in the camps. With limited water available, fights and disagreements sometimes break out as people struggle to meet their daily needs. The stress and frustration grow every day the shortage continues.
A Call for Action
Access to safe drinking water is a basic human right. The situation in Kakuma Refugee Camp and Kalobeyei Settlement needs urgent attention from the UNHCR, international donors, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the Kenyan government. Increasing water supply, repairing broken water systems, and exploring alternative water sources like boreholes or rainwater harvesting could help solve the crisis.
For the thousands of refugees living here, water is not just a need — it is a lifeline. Without it, survival becomes a daily struggle. The world must act now to ensure that every person in Kakuma and Kalobeyei has access to clean and safe water every single day.
