Benjamin Sosi^1,2*, Justus Barongo³, Albert Getabu², Samson Maobe²

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¹ Department of Natural Resources, Egerton University, Egerton, Kenya.
² Department of Natural Resources, Kisii University, Kisii, Kenya.
³ Department of Geology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
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Abstract: Groundwater yields in the Kenya Rift are highly unsustainable owing to geological variability. In this study, field hydraulic characterization was performed by using geo-electric approaches. The relations between electrical–hydraulic (eh) conductivities were modeled hypothetically and calibrated empirically. Correlations were based on the stochastic models and field-scale hydraulic parameters were contingent on pore-level parameters. By considering variation in pore-size distributions over eh conduction interval, the relations were scaled-up for use at aquifer-level. Material-level electrical conductivities were determined by using Vertical Electrical Survey and hydraulic conductivities by analyzing aquifer tests of eight boreholes in the Olbanita aquifer located in Kenya rift. VES datasets were inverted by using the computer code IP2Win. The main result is that InT = 0.537(1nFa) + 3.695, the positive gradient indicating eh conduction through pore-surface networks and a proxy of weathered and clayey materials. An inverse (1/F-K) correlation is observed. Hydraulic parameters determined using such approaches may possibly contribute significantly towards sustainable yield management and planning of groundwater resources.

Keywords: Electrical-Hydraulic Conductivity Model, Weathered-Fractured Aquifer System, Olbanita, Kenya Rift

Cite this paper: Sosi, B. , Barongo, J. , Getabu, A. and Maobe, S. (2019) Hydrogeophysical Characterization of a Weathered-Fractured Aquifer System: A Case Study of Olbanita, Lower Baringo Basin, Kenya Rift. Journal of Water Resource and Protection, 11, 1408-1425. doi: 10.4236/jwarp.2019.1111082.

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