Evaluation of groundwater/ surface water interaction of Kilimanjaro Aquifer System (loitokitok, Chyulu Hills, Taveta and Mzima Springs) using Isotope Hydrology Techniques

Key results: This project indicated that there exist two main different water resources systems in the project area which are differentiated by their origins/ sources ie the Kilimanjaro water system and the Challa water system. These results will aid in development of the water allocation plans for management and sustainability purposes.

Groundwater Research/ Assessment of Timau Sub-catchment, Ewaso Ng’iro North Basin.

Key findings: Though land use/land cover has been altered over time, it has not changed drainage pattern, nor has it changed impact on flow duration. This is due to the existence of highly porous lithology/ rocks in the project area. There is a high potential Aquifer at 250 meters below ground level and therefore exploitation of this deep aquifer is recommended to avail water for various purposes.

Establishment of Regional Isotope Hydrology Laboratory

With the support of the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation (MoWSI) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), RCGW has made steps in establishing a Regional Isotope Hydrology Laboratory which shall be able to conduct both chemical and isotope analysis in order to establish a comprehensive water quality database. This will go a long way in improving knowledge management and information capacity within the region.

Establishment of Global Network for Isotopes in Precipitation (GNIP) Stations

The Centre, through partnership with the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation (MoWSI) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has so far been able to establish two GNIP stations notably in the Oloitokitok Project Area and Timau Project area. These stations will feed into the National database of isotopes in precipitation which can be used as reference when conducting isotope hydrology investigations. The aim is to improve information capacity so as to improve water assessment within the Country for water availability enhancement. RCGW has also established an Automated Weather Station (AWS) in the Oloitokitok Project Area which is recommended to provide supplementary information such as temperature, wind speed, evaporation etc. Plans are underway to establish the same in the Timau Project Area.