Search Conference in Thika basin Kenia

Water in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, is not a given. Due to population growth, climate change, increasing irrigation, and deforestation, it is nearly impossible to meet the city's water needs during dry periods. Under the banner of Dutch Water Authorities (DWA), the Dutch water boards are working in the watershed – the Thika river system – where Nairobi gets its water from, to improve water supply and distribution.

The DWA team consists of employees from Hoogheemraadschap de Stichtse Rijnlanden, Waterschap Aa en Maas, and Waterschap Amstel, Gooi en Vecht (through Wereld Waternet). They assist the Kenyan Water Resources Authority with tasks such as data collection, monitoring, modeling available water, and creating a water allocation plan.

The Thika River is not only the lifeline for Nairobi's water supply but also for hydroelectric power plants, agricultural businesses like Del Monte, flower growers, and tea and coffee farms. Additionally, small-scale farmers and communities have been relying on the increasingly scarce water for centuries.

Therefore, the DWA team also collaborates with the Water Resources Users Associations, which unite local communities. For example, they work together to implement natural solutions, known as Nature-Based Solutions, to combat erosion. This erosion is caused by increasingly intense rainfall due to climate change, as well as deforestation and intensive land use.

Identifying and implementing large-scale, sustainable Nature-Based Solutions is complex and requires a holistic, open systems approach. In addition to technical knowledge, it also requires insight into social and climatic systems and changes. In a project funded by the NWB Fund, the DWA team will work with the problem owners and stakeholders of the river to determine appropriate Nature-Based Solutions.

A Search Conference process will be employed to engage the community in learning and planning. The organization Embassy of the Earth, which has extensive experience with such processes in various countries, will be involved. During this process, the participating stakeholders will engage in discussions, come up with measures, and take full responsibility for their implementation afterward. The Search Conference is scheduled for the second quarter of 2023. The intended outcomes are:

A clear vision for the most desirable future of the Thika river basin.
Improved collaboration between government institutions, private sector parties, and local communities.
A permanent coordination council for the Thika river basin, ensuring local support and effective relationships with key stakeholders.

With this NWB Fund project, the Thika river system will receive the integrated, innovative approach it needs, with joint leadership from water users and government institutions.

Want to know more? Contact regional manager Marieke van Nood of Wereld Waternet at marieke.van.nood@waternet.nl.

[1] About | Embassy-of-the-Earth (embassyoftheearth.org)