Locals residents of Kinoru area of Tseikuru ward, Mwingi North, have called Kitui Governor Julius Malombe to intervene and save them from walking for hours in search of water.
The locals decried that they walk over ten kilometres to fetch water, noting that the activity was draining and time-consuming.
They also pointed out that school-going children faced challenges since they were required to report to school with water.
"Our children can hardly walk for ten kilometres to fetch water, yet it is a requirement for them to go to school carrying water," Kalimi Mwendwa, a resident, said.
She added that the prolonged drought had affected learners who were forced to skip school because they lacked water.
"We urge Governor Malombe to come to our rescue so that our children can learn comfortably," she added.
Mwikali Musya, another local, said the area locals had made proposals to have earth dams in places such as school areas to help curb the issue of water shortage.
"If we get water near our schools, apart from the children benefitting, the community will also be benefitting," she said.
Mwikali disclosed that she leaves her children asleep to trek for hours before sunshine so that she can come back, prepare them for school, and bring them some water to take to school.
She noted that they waste a lot of time fetching water from a nearby river ten kilometres away.
In line with his manifesto to ensure locals have water, the locals have pleaded with the Governor to consider sinking water sources.
