With climate change and climate variability comes fluctuating rainfall and extreme temperatures. Growing seasons are changing. These shifts severely impact lives and livelihoods. Water security starts with water availability. There must be enough water to satisfy diverse-and sometimes conflicting- needs. When households have water, their ability to improve sanitation and hygiene is enhanced. The COVID…
2019 was a difficult year for Agnes Wambui of Umande, Laikipia. Her words sum it up best, “The land dried up and my crops did not grow well because the rains came late.” Without modern farming tools and techniques, Agnes was particularly susceptible to the unpredictable changes in climate. Irrigation helps reduce the vulnerability of…
The Laikipia Water, Cattle and Wildlife Project, recently held a meeting with the Mutara and Suguroi Community members to address water and to accept a COMMON INTAKE as the best option for their future water management. The meeting was aimed at assisting these community members to become conversant with the technical studies needed for the…
Francis Githui and the Stormwater & Environmental Management Forum are making headlines yet again. Last time we featured Francis for his conservation efforts through the Edible Rivers’ Initiative and the Fruit Tree School Project. This time, we sat down with Francis to discuss his efforts in the reclamation and rehabilitation of the 13.5 Acre Nanyuki…
The Kenya Water Act 2016 provides for the establishment of Water Resource Users Associations (WRUA) for the collaborative management of water resources and to manage water use conflicts at sub catchment levels. The Water Act anticipates that WRUAs are supported to have sufficient capacity to play an effective role. The Act therefore places a responsibility…
Serious complaints have been raised by the management of the Likii Water Resources Users Association over the infringement and promotion of illegal water abstraction activities from the River by a neighbouring WRUA. The Likii WRUA management, led by its chairperson Mr. Julius Kirinya, has serious claims that the neighbouring WRUA (through a section of its…
Water for irrigation purposes remains a top priority for majority of farmers living in the upstream of Upper Ewaso Ngiro North Basin. This is mostly because farming is the major livelihood for these communities. The Basin’s climate is characterized by frequent droughts and floods and does not favor this livelihood. As a result, farmers rely…
“The outlook is positive, and we are on course to surpassing our annual target despite the impact of the Coronavirus. In fact, as of September 2020, we have done better compared to what we achieved in the whole of 2019,” said the Sacco’s chair, Charles Kiara, in an interview during the recent all board meeting…
Water fuels every aspect of life. It’s essential for basic health and hygiene, and it drives society’s most essential industries – agriculture, energy and transportation. With climate change and climate variability come fluctuating rainfall and extreme temperatures, creating shorter rainy seasons and longer dry seasons. These shifts severely impact lives and livelihoods. Decreased water supplies…
A common intake is an engineered, community-led solution to capture and distribute water equitably from a river to community destinations. Laikipia/Nyandarua Water Sector Stakeholders ranging from the Water Resources Authority, the County Governments of Laikipia and Nyandarua, WRUA representatives from Mutara, Community Water Projects and the Ol Pejeta/FFI led Laikipia Cattle, Water and Wildlife Project,…