Page 19 - CIWA AR25

Horn of Africa

iii. Groundwater and Regional Integration also promoting cross-border considerations in designs and
investments and monitoring informal cross-border interactions
Transboundary groundwater investment pilots: through the MIS to document the dynamics, opportunities for
future engagement, and scale-up.
After 18 months of review, the Government of Kenya has
approved the IGAD‑facilitated Memorandum of Understanding
Joint transboundary aquifer feasibility studies:

(MoU) for the Dhobley–Liboi pilot first identified in CIWA’s

closed HOA Groundwater Initiative, which was sent for Building on learning from the Dhobley–Liboi pilot, CIWA support
approval to the Government of Somalia in July 2025. These has advanced the regional groundwater agenda. Three feasibility
are simultaneous investments in groundwater development in studies for transboundary groundwater infrastructure are currently
communities on both sides of the border. The agreement outlines underway in the Shebelle and Juba basins. Joint regional studies
development and coordination of the pilot and future Merti Aquifer are being undertaken, such as the ongoing mapping of groundwater
investments, establishes joint management committees, and recharge potential across the HoA. Untapping Resilience has been
defines each party’s role. The process has been driven forward fundamental to advancing the dialogue and technical quality of

by ongoing CIWA technical assistance, which has been crucial these deliverables.
for maintaining dialogue and building trust. CIWA’s support is

Kaitese village, Turkana, Kenya. ©Joseph Brunton / CIWA Program
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