Two brothers search for water in Turkana. (Marisol Grandon/Wikimedia Commons)

The largest of the five, the Lotikipi Basin Aquifer, has the potential to supply Kenya with water for the next 70 years.

“This newly found wealth of water opens a door to a more prosperous future for the people of Turkana and the nation as a whole," said Judi Wakhungu, Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Natural Resources.

Satellite, radar and geological imaging technology led to the discovery of the aquifers. Test drilling confirmed the location of the Lotikipi Basin Aquifer and the Lodwar Basin Aquifer. Similar technology is used to discover oil fields.

Though the quality of the water has yet to be analyzed, the discovery of the aquifers has the potential to spur economic development and increase the livelihood of inhabitants in the region. 

According to UNESCO, over 40 percent of Kenya's population of 41 million lacks access to safe water. More than half do not have adequate sanitation.

Turkana has been in a drought for the past five years, and more than 13 million people have been impacted by the lack of rainfall. An insufficient amount of water in the region has stifled the livestock industry, affecting the prosperity of Turkana's population.

"We must now work to further explore these resources responsibly and safeguard them for future generations,” Wakhungu said.

Reach staff reporter Michael Nystrom here.