A borehole dug by herders in a desperate attempt to survive Kenya's last severe drought has been transformed into a lifeline for thousands of children and animals as a new drought hits, thanks to the addition of solar pumping and water storage.
The well has become an oasis in the impoverished dry lands of east Africa where charities say back-to-back droughts are threatening the lives of millions of children.
Originally built to meet the needs of 12 herders and their families, the upgraded borehole now provides water for thousands of people and livestock living near Pelekech mountain in Turkana County.
As a result herders can bring home their livestock every day to drink water, which they say is a blessing.
At first, after sinking the well, the herders' families drew water by hand using a bucket and rope, and could only fetch enough for their immediate domestic needs.
"When we started this project, it was in a desperate move just to see if we could find some little water for domestic consumption," said Angeline Namudang, the treasurer for the Lokore Community Disaster Management Committee, the group which sank the borehole.
The herders used to spend weeks or even months away from home in drought periods, looking for water and pasture. They often returned to find their children, left behind with relatives, were malnourished or even dead.
That changed when a solar pump and water tanks were installed in 2013, with the help of international NGO Veterinaires Sans Frontieres Germany.
The well now supplies water kiosks and animal drinking troughs in two villages.
"This has been like a revolution to us," said Lotit Agirai, who has six wives and 30 children.
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 