The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable water resource management and climate resilience as the Eldoret-Iten Water Fund enters a critical transition phase toward becoming an independent trust.
Speaking during the 4th Project Steering Committee hybrid meeting, Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr Festus Ngeno said the Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded project has recorded significant progress three years into implementation.
The PS noted that the initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, is now focused on establishing strong governance and legal structures, alongside mobilising a USD 3 million endowment fund to ensure long-term sustainability.
“The Eldoret-Iten Water Fund is transitioning into a fully-fledged Water Fund Trust that will guarantee continuity and impact for generations,” said Dr. Ngeno.
The project recently received a one-year no-cost extension through the International Fund for Agricultural Development on behalf of the GEF, allowing stakeholders to consolidate gains and strengthen institutional frameworks.
Dr. Ngeno highlighted several milestones achieved under the programme, including the planting of 1.7 million trees with an 80 per cent survival rate across forests, riparian zones, wetlands, and farms.
The project has also supported clean energy adoption through the installation of over 500 improved cookstoves, helping reduce pressure on forest resources.
In addition, youth empowerment and livelihood diversification have been central to the initiative. Over 800 modern beehives have been produced by trained youth, while others have embraced drone technology for watershed monitoring across Kenya and the wider East African region.
“These achievements reflect innovation, community ownership, and measurable impact in watershed restoration,” he said.
The Principal Secretary noted that the Water Fund model is gaining traction as a scalable solution for ecosystem restoration across Africa.
He cited the success of the Upper Tana–Nairobi Water Fund, established under GEF 6, which covers the Aberdare and Mount Kenya ecosystems, and the ongoing Eldoret-Iten Water Fund under GEF 7, which focuses on the Cherangany, Elgeyo, and North Mau landscapes.
Plans are also underway to launch a new Water Fund under GEF 8 targeting the Yala and Nyando river basins.
Dr. Ngeno commended partners including The Nature Conservancy and IFAD for advancing the model, noting that collaboration between public and private sectors has been key to its success.
As the project moves into its next phase, the government is prioritising the expansion of restoration efforts and farmer support.
Currently, over 43,000 farmers have developed farm-specific action plans, while 500 kilometres of riparian land and 536 hectares of wetlands are under restoration.
The government aims to double riparian restoration to 1,000 kilometres and expand wetland rehabilitation across the entire project area.
Dr. Ngeno also lauded county governments for exceeding their co-financing target of USD 15 million and called on partners to continue contributing resources to sustain the Fund.
The Water Fund initiative aligns with Kenya’s broader environmental agenda, including the ambitious plan to grow 15 billion trees by 2032 under President William Ruto’s directive.
The PS emphasised that strong partnerships between government, communities, and the private sector are critical to achieving long-term water security and climate resilience.
He further commended the integration of indigenous communities through Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes, noting that inclusive approaches have led to lasting and impactful outcomes.
Dr. Ngeno urged stakeholders to maintain momentum as they review progress, budgets, and workplans for the Fund, saying continued collaboration and commitment will ensure the initiative delivers lasting benefits. He reiterated the Ministry’s full support for the project’s long-term success.
The meeting was attended by, among others, KAM Chairperson Jane Karuku, Vicky Betty, Director of Projects, Programmes and Strategic Initiatives, Fred Kihara (TNC), Brian Muthoka (COG), Alfaxad Omwenga (The National Treasury), Sylvester Maithya (NEMA) and representatives from private sector and water companies, among others.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
