Two new water reserves can supply drought-hit Kenya for decades, but experts urge gov't to plan wisely.

Two new water reserves in Kenya may give residents hope after it was hit by a drought last year.

In a report by the BBC, two aquifers were discovered in the country's northern Turkana and Lotikipi basins.

Kenya's environment minister Judi Wakhungu says the country currently uses less than 10 percent per year of what the new reserves can potentially supply - up to 250 billion cubic metres for 70 years.

But with discovery comes with a call for responsible management.

Abou Amani studies water for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization or UNESCO.

He asks the government for caution in handling how the reserves will be used - adding that it should not overexploit the aquifers.

A community based non-government organization is also asking the government to engage with its citizens.

Friends of Lake Turkana Leader Ikal Anglei says solutions must be made by letting the community have ownership of the water, and link it to economic development.

Nearly half of Kenya's stricken population do not have access to safe water.