The discovery of two aquifers³（含水层） brings hope to the drought-hit region, tweeted Environment Minister Judi Wakhungu.

 

They were found in the Turkana Basin and Lotikipi Basin using satellites and radar⁴.

 

Last year, scientists released a map detailing the vast reservoirs which lie under much of Africa.

 

Another aquifer² was found in Namibia - the continent's driest country.

 

Turkana is one of the hottest, driest and poorest parts of Kenya and was hit by a devastating⁵ drought last year.

 

Many of the region's inhabitants are nomadic⁶ herders, who are especially vulnerable to a lack of rain.

 

Test drilling confirmed there was water under the ground.

 

The discovery was announced by Ms Wakhungu at a meeting of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Unesco.

 

"This newly found wealth of water opens a door to a more prosperous future for the people of Turkana and the nation as a whole. We must now work to further explore these resources responsibly and safeguard them for future generations," she said.

 

 

The aquifers are said to hold some 250bn cubic metres of water. 

 

Ms Wakhungu said Kenya currently uses about 3bn cubic metres a year.

 

"We're hoping with the two test boreholes, the water should be available within a month. The first priority is to supply water to the people of the area, who have always been water insecure."

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