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MKEWP Gets a Communication Strategy!

MKEWP, LWF, Communication Strategy

MKEWP stakeholders discuss during the inception workshop for the Communication Strategy

The Mount Kenya Ewaso Water Partnership (MKEWP) is developing its first Communication Strategy.

MKEWP’s stakeholders met for an inception workshop to discuss the best way to serve the information and communication needs of its partners given their diverse nature.

The workshop was designed to develop a draft strategy to address the Partnership’s communication needs and lay the ground for a robust brand identity.

Stakeholders at the forum agreed on a strategy that will drive “effective communication to promote a sense of ownership and trust between MKEWP stakeholders.”

The workshop furthermore, presented a platform for discussions where the participants settled on structure for the strategy.

The communications strategy will complement the Strategic Plan which focuses on building stakeholder participation and coordination in its first five years. The strategy will also be key to the implementation of the Financial Sustainability Plan which gives realistic options on how the Strategic Plan can be financed.

The communication strategy provides a framework for MKEWP to address awareness, learning and knowledge management, advocacy, informed decision-making and triggering behavior change.

Stakeholders will meet to review the draft communication strategy before it’s presented to MKEWP Council in July for approval.

The secretariat’s communication department, led by LWF will play a central role in the implementation of the strategy over the next five years

The following partners joined MKEWP during the workshop:

Once complete the partnership will embark on implementation of the communication strategy to effectively address its diverse partners on outreach and mandate.

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MKEWP Joins Partners, Reports 2017 Outputs during Watershed Workshop

Watershed Kenya

Watershed Partners go through the 2017 outputs. L-R: Lilian Nyaega-Wetlands International, Tabitha Gerrets-AKVO, Wesley Kipng’enoh- LWF/MKEWP, Stanely Kirimi- MKEWP Coordinator, Jacob Baraza- Cespad and Titus Wamae-Wetlands International

Laikipia Wildlife Forum and the Mount Kenya Ewaso Water Partnership (MKEWP) participated in the Watershed Outcomes Interpretation Workshop held in Machakos on the 7th and 8th May.

The purpose of the two-day workshop was to analyse the 2017 results of the Watershed Partners and their impact in creating social change.

The workshop brought together the Global Watershed team and partners – MKEWP, the Centre for Social Planning and Administrative Development (CESPAD), Neighbours Initiative Alliance (NIA), Kenya Water & Sanitation Civil Society Network (KEWASNET), Wetlands International, and Kenya Water for Health Organisation (KWAHO) – This team is working on a national Watershed strategy and implementation plan in Kenya.

The partners discussed their annual results and gave their interpretation of how these were contributing to the overall outcomes expected on this Program.

Mount Kenya Ewaso Water Partnership (MKEWP) went through its four major Watershed results in 2017. These outputs were driven by the Partnership’s charter which describes three thematic areas: Water allocation and use management; water resource infrastructure development; and institutional strengthening.

The key actions and outputs of the MKEWP included:

  • Development of Water Sector Plans: By providing financial support, MKEWP facilitated meetings to bring together key players (WRUAs, WRA, County Ministry of Water) in the Nyeri, Laikipia and Meru Counties to discuss ten and five-year Water Plans for their future. The Water Sector Plans were incorporated in their County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs).
  • MKEWP produced a simplified guide to the Water Act 2016 and disseminated the guide to water actors in the Upper Ewaso Basin. The Simplified Guide was approved by the former Minister of Water Hon Eugene Wamalwa and Governing Council of 2030 Water Resources Group.
  • The Partnership sourced financial resources from Wetlands International to develop a Water Allocation Plan for the Teleswani River. Through meetings facilitated by MKEWP, the Water Resource Authority (WRA) and citizens discussed and agreed on equitable allocation of water for their River.
  • Water Rationing Plan: MKEWP financed meetings for 20 Water Resource Users Associations (WRUAs) to discuss their new roles in Water Rationing Plan and co-financed the manpower needed for scouting and actual rationing. This was done in December 2017 in anticipation of the drought period. Thanks to this the WRUAs now manage their water resources independently during the dry season (without WRAs notices).

These results reported at the Watershed workshop are in line with MKEWP’s goal of ensuring that water resources are managed for sustainable, equitable, social and economic development in the Ewaso Basin.

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MKEWP joins Inaugural Laikipia Water Conference

Laikipia Water Conference

Momboko Women Group from Likii in Laikipia join MKEWP team at their stand during the Inagural Laikipia Water Conference on the 17th March 2018

 Mount Kenya Ewaso Water Partnership (MKEWP) exhibited at the Inaugural Laikipia Water Conference held on 17th and 18th May at the Nanyuki Sports Club.

Over the two-day conference, MKEWP showcased their 5-year Strategic Plan, and “Guide to the Water Act 2016”, a simplified version of the 2016 Kenya Water Act.

The Guide was created to sensitize communities on the relatively new Water Act. Over 200 copies were given out along with Partnership’s fact sheets.

At the MKEWP stand, attendees were informed about the Partnership’s collective actions with member in integrated water resource management, since its inception in 2016

The Partnership was joined by collaborators and members who showcased innovative water management and conservation solutions. Notably, these include:  SunCulture, Ngusishi Water Resource User Association, Centre for Training and Integrated Research in ASAL Development (CETRAD) and Kenya Water and Sanitation Civil Societies Network (KEWASNET).

Stanley Kirimi, the Partnership Coordinator, represented MKEWP during the conferences breakout sessions on community sensitization and water harvesting The Inaugural Laikipia Water Conference 2018 was conducted to bring together stakeholders, the private sector investors and donors to discuss issues that are currently facing the water sector. The conference also provided a platform to create awareness on the water crisis in Laikipia and discussed the mechanisms that would promote sustainability in the water sector.

In a bid to alleviate water shortages in the County, the national government also pledged to support the construction of the Ksh 15 Billion Kahurura Dam, with completion expected in 2022. This dam will serve the growing population of Nanyuki where the population is expected to reach 750,000- 1M people by 2025.

The MKEWP membership now stands at more than 100 local organizations, businesses, and representatives.

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