How seasonal rivers, streams and laghas could help ease water crisis

Kaki sand dam in Katalwa river.Residents queue water jerricans as early as 5:30 am in the morning at Garissa water kiosk by Kiambere-mwingi water and sanitation company (KIMWASCO) in mwingi town,Kitui county .Water is rationed in the area to serve for a long time making the residents to use water sparingly at their homes to conserve the rare commodity. [David Gichuru]

Though prone to sweltering heat, biting droughts, and chronic water poverty, the arid regions of northern Kenya are rich in non-perennial waterways, commonly known as seasonal rivers.

These seasonal rivers are unique in that they typically flow for relatively short periods during the rainy season.