( CNN ) -- Call it a watershed moment for Kenya . Scientists found massive underground water supplies in the arid northern region . The discovery of the reserves could improve the lives of generations and halt long-running conflicts over natural resources . The United Nations said it identified five aquifers in parched Turkana , two of which have been verified . `` Two aquifers ... were identified using advanced satellite exploration technology , '' its cultural agency , UNESCO , said in a statement Wednesday . `` Their existence was then confirmed by drilling conducted recently by UNESCO , but there is need for further studies to adequately quantify the reserves and to assess the quality of the water , '' UNESCO said . An additional three aquifers have been found in the same area , but have not been confirmed by drilling and will need further assessment , it said . In a country where water is scarce , the revelation is crucial . Kenya has a population of about 41 million , with nearly 17 million lacking access to safe water , according to the United Nations . More than half the population -- about 28 million -- lack adequate sanitation . `` The news about these water reserves comes at a time when reliable water supplies are highly needed , '' said Judi Wakhungu , the nation 's cabinet secretary for the environment , water and natural resources . `` 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 . We must now work to further explore these resources responsibly and safeguard them for future generations . '' In addition to replenishing scarce water supplies in the nation , the underground resources will boost agriculture in the region , which has long battled arid conditions . The nation faces water insecurity exacerbated by erratic rainfall patterns , triggering battles for natural resources among various communities . Deadly cattle raids and conflicts over grazing land are common in the area . The underground supplies will also provide irrigation and livestock needs , drinking water , and help ward off malnutrition in the region . The project between UNESCO and the Kenyan government was funded by Japan . Kenya will conduct more studies to determine the quantity and the quality of the water .
U.N. says it identified five aquifers in Turkana . In a country where water is scarce , the revelation is crucial . Kenya has a population of 41 million , 17 million of whom lack access to safe water . Additional supplies may help halt conflicts over natural resources in the region .