Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Project

29/07/2026

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20/07/2026

Turning Policy into Practice: Advancing Kenya's Vision for Cooperative Transboundary Water Governance

Stakeholders convened in Eldoret from July 15–17, 2026, for the workshop on the finalization of Kenya's Draft Transboundary Water Policy, bringing the country another step closer to its first comprehensive national framework for the governance of shared rivers, lakes and aquifers. Over three days of technical deliberations, the workshop reaffirmed that transboundary water is not simply a resource management issue, but a strategic national priority that touches on economic growth, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, regional diplomacy and national security.

The discussions were grounded in a sobering reality. Kenya is classified as a water-scarce country, with renewable freshwater availability of less than 500 cubic metres per person annually — well below the internationally recognised water scarcity threshold of 1,000 cubic metres. Approximately 54% of the country's renewable water resources are transboundary, shared with neighbouring states through major river basins such as the Mara, Sio-Malaba-Malakisi, Dawa, Pangani and Suam, and strategic aquifer systems including the Merti, Lotikipi, Kilimanjaro-Chyulu and Lamu Sandstone aquifers. As population growth, urbanisation and climate change continue to increase demand for water, the need for a coherent governance framework has never been greater.

The workshop took stakeholders through the full arc of the policy-making process: an overview of transboundary water occurrence, security and infrastructure across the country; a review of national, regional and international water policy frameworks and best practice; and a detailed examination of the Draft Policy itself, its gaps and proposed amendments, and its structure. Particular attention was given to aligning the policy with the Constitution of Kenya (2010) and the Water Act, 2016, ensuring that national legislation speaks coherently to Kenya's regional and international obligations on shared waters.

Dedicated sessions addressed conflict prevention and dispute resolution, regional cooperation, cross-border data sharing, and integrated water resources management at basin and aquifer level; the technical and diplomatic foundations on which effective transboundary governance ultimately rests. The workshop also examined climate change, gender-responsive water governance, and the conservation and sustainable management of shared water resources, underscoring that a policy is only as strong as its ability to protect both the resource and the communities who depend on it.

One of the strongest themes to emerge was the growing recognition of transboundary groundwater as a strategic resource in its own right. While rivers and lakes have traditionally dominated regional water discussions, participants highlighted the increasing importance of shared aquifers in sustaining communities across Kenya's arid and semi-arid lands, and the need for improved hydrogeological mapping, harmonised monitoring and stronger cross-border cooperation to keep these hidden reserves sustainable for future generations.

Equally significant were discussions on ensuring the policy delivers benefits beyond government institutions, strengthening the role of Water Resources Users Associations (WRUAs), promoting gender equality and social inclusion, enhancing community awareness, and establishing benefit-sharing mechanisms that recognise border communities as partners in protecting shared water resources, not bystanders to it.

With stakeholder recommendations now compiled for incorporation into the next iteration of the Draft Policy, Kenya continues to build a framework that reflects both national priorities and regional realities. By promoting equitable and reasonable utilisation, strengthening dispute resolution mechanisms and encouraging joint infrastructure development, the policy positions shared water resources as instruments for peace, resilience and shared prosperity, rather than sources of competition.


Ministry Of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation| Julius Korir

15/07/2026

KENYA TAKES A MAJOR STEP TOWARDS A NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR MANAGING SHARED WATER RESOURCES

The Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation today commenced a three-day stakeholder workshop in Eldoret to validate and refine Kenya's Draft Transboundary Water Policy; a landmark policy that will, for the first time, provide a comprehensive national framework for governing the country's shared rivers, lakes and aquifers.

While Kenya has made significant progress in reforming its water sector through the Constitution of Kenya (2010), the Water Act (2016) and the National Water Policy (2021), governance of transboundary water resources has remained fragmented across different laws, regional agreements and institutional arrangements. Yet more than 54 per cent of Kenya's renewable water resources are shared with neighbouring countries, making cooperation on these resources a national strategic priority.

Kenya shares transboundary rivers, lakes and aquifers with Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Somalia. These water systems sustain domestic water supply, irrigation, livestock production, hydropower, fisheries, industry, biodiversity conservation and tourism, while supporting millions of people whose livelihoods depend on reliable access to water.

The need for a dedicated policy has become increasingly urgent. Kenya is classified as a water-scarce country, with renewable freshwater availability estimated at less than 500 cubic metres per person per year—well below the internationally recognised water stress threshold of 1,000 cubic metres. At the same time, population growth, urbanisation, climate change and expanding economic activity continue to increase pressure on both surface water and groundwater resources.

The Draft Transboundary Water Policy seeks to address these challenges by establishing a coherent framework for the sustainable development, management, conservation and protection of shared water resources. It will strengthen institutional coordination between national and county governments, improve cooperation with neighbouring states, promote equitable and reasonable utilisation of shared waters, enhance climate resilience, strengthen data and information sharing, and provide the policy foundation for the proposed Transboundary Water Act.

The policy also marks a significant shift in Kenya's approach to groundwater governance. It recognises that shared aquifers, including strategic systems such as the Merti, Lotikipi, Mt. Elgon, Kilimanjaro-Chyulu, Lamu Sandstone and Sudd Aquifers, must be managed with the same level of cooperation as shared rivers and lakes, supported by scientific assessment, joint monitoring and evidence-based decision-making.

The Eldoret workshop forms part of the final stakeholder validation process. Over the next three days, participants drawn from national and county governments, water sector institutions, academia, development partners and other stakeholders will review the policy, strengthen its legal and institutional framework, and refine recommendations that will shape Kenya's future approach to transboundary water governance.

By placing stakeholder participation at the centre of policy development, the Ministry is ensuring that the final Transboundary Water Policy reflects practical experience, scientific evidence and regional realities. The ultimate goal is to position Kenya's shared water resources not only as environmental assets, but as strategic drivers of water security, climate resilience, economic transformation and regional cooperation for generations to come.

Ministry Of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation | Julius Korir

14/07/2026

Eldoret Hosts National Stakeholder Engagement on Kenya’s Draft Transboundary Water Policy

Today marked the beginning of a five-day national stakeholder engagement workshop in Eldoret to validate and strengthen Kenya's Draft Transboundary Water Policy, a landmark framework that will guide the sustainable management, development and protection of the country's shared water resources.

Convened by the State Department for Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, with support from the Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Project (HoAGW4RP), the workshop will bring together representatives from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Water Resources Authority regional offices, County Water Departments, Water Service Providers, research institutions, development partners and other key stakeholders to contribute to the policy's finalization.

The opening discussions focused on the policy's rationale and the growing need for a coordinated national framework to manage Kenya's transboundary rivers, lakes and aquifers. With more than half of the country's renewable water resources shared with neighbouring states, effective governance is increasingly essential to strengthening water security, climate resilience, environmental conservation, regional cooperation and sustainable socio-economic development.

Participants also examined the policy development process, its alignment with the Constitution of Kenya, the Water Act 2016, the National Water Policy 2021, regional cooperation frameworks and international principles governing shared water resources. The discussions underscored the importance of inclusive stakeholder participation in ensuring that the final policy reflects both national priorities and local realities.

Over the coming days, the workshop will deliberate on governance frameworks, institutional coordination, benefit sharing, conflict prevention, transboundary groundwater management, climate resilience, data and information sharing, financing, implementation mechanisms and basin-specific policy directions before consolidating recommendations for the final draft.

The Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Project is a Government of Kenya flagship initiative implemented through the State Department for Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, with financing from the World Bank. The project supports the development of sustainable groundwater management systems and strengthened water governance to enhance resilience across Kenya's Arid and Semi-Arid Lands.

| Ministry Of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation | Korir | Water and Sewerage Company- MARWASCO

14/07/2026

What if water is not the engine of regional integration—but the foundation that determines whether integration succeeds?

Across the Horn of Africa, cooperation is already taking shape through trade, energy, infrastructure, livestock, digital connectivity and investment. Yet beneath these advances lies a shared resource that quietly influences their long-term success: water.

In this thought-provoking article, Prof. Seifu Kebede introduces the concept of the "opportunityshed"—a compelling perspective that reframes water not simply as a resource to be shared, but as a strategic asset capable of strengthening resilience, building trust and unlocking regional prosperity.

The article challenges conventional thinking about transboundary water management, explores the growing importance of groundwater and shared aquifers and makes a compelling case for integrating water security into the Horn of Africa's broader regional development agenda.

As Kenya advances the development of its Draft Transboundary Water Policy, the ideas presented in this article provide valuable insights into how cooperative water governance can support sustainable development, climate resilience and lasting regional cooperation.

Read the full article below.

| Julius Korir| Ministry Of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation

By Prof. Seifu Kebede This note is offered as an independent professional reflection rather than an institutional position.

09/07/2026

Concluding the Mombasa Consultations on Kenya's Draft Transboundary Water Policy

The three-day stakeholder consultative workshop on the Draft Transboundary Water Policy concluded today in Mombasa, successfully completing the Coast regional engagement and marking another important milestone in Kenya's journey towards strengthening the governance of shared water resources.

The workshop brought together a broad cross-section of institutions whose expertise is critical to the development of a robust national policy. Participants included representatives from the State Department for Water and Sanitation, the Water Resources Authority (WRA), the Water Sector Trust Fund (WSTF), the Regional Centre for Groundwater Resources (RCGW), the Council of Governors (CoG), the Kenya Law Reform Commission (KLRC), the Kenya National Water Resources Users Association (KeNAWRUA), the Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice, county governments, technical consultants from AESA East Africa, Water Resources Users Associations (WRUAs), and other water sector practitioners and experts. Counties represented included Mombasa, Lamu, Tana River, Kilifi, Kwale, Kajiado, Taita Taveta, Makueni and Machakos, ensuring that regional perspectives informed the refinement of Kenya's Draft Transboundary Water Policy.

The Principal Secretary for Water and Sanitation, Julius Korir, CBS, whose closing remarks were delivered on his behalf by the Water Secretary, Eng. Samwel A.O. Alima, reaffirmed the Government's commitment to developing an inclusive, practical and forward-looking policy capable of strengthening cooperation in the management of Kenya's shared water resources.

“More than half of Kenya’s water resources are shared with neighbouring countries through rivers, lakes and transboundary aquifers. Their sustainable management cannot be achieved by one country acting alone. It demands cooperation, mutual trust, coordinated planning and adherence to internationally accepted principles of equitable and reasonable utilization, information sharing and peaceful resolution of disputes.”

The Principal Secretary noted that the Draft Transboundary Water Policy will provide Kenya with a coherent framework for strengthening institutional coordination, promoting regional cooperation, improving governance arrangements and safeguarding shared water resources for present and future generations.

“The recommendations and proposals generated during this workshop will make an invaluable contribution to improving the Draft Transboundary Water Policy. The quality of discussions and the diversity of perspectives have greatly enriched this consultative process.”

“Today’s meeting marks the conclusion of the Mombasa regional consultations, but it does not mark the end of the stakeholder engagement process. The consultations will continue in other regions across the country to ensure that the policy reflects the unique characteristics of Kenya’s various transboundary basins and aquifer systems.”

Speaking after delivering the Principal Secretary's remarks, Water Secretary Eng. Samwel A.O. Alima emphasized that meaningful public participation must remain central to the policy development process.

He noted that effective policies are built through early engagement with stakeholders, allowing communities, county governments, water users, sector institutions and development partners to contribute their knowledge and perspectives before policy decisions are finalized.

“Public participation is not simply a procedural requirement; it is the foundation of effective policy. We must engage our people early, listen to their experiences and incorporate their perspectives if we are to develop a policy that is practical, inclusive and enjoys broad public ownership.”

The Mombasa workshop forms part of the nationwide stakeholder consultation process being undertaken to support the development of Kenya's Draft Transboundary Water Policy. Following earlier consultations in Isiolo, stakeholder engagements will continue in other regions across the country before all recommendations are consolidated into the final policy for consideration through the Government approval process.

The State Department for Water and Sanitation remains committed to developing a modern policy framework that strengthens water security, promotes regional cooperation, enhances climate resilience and ensures the sustainable management of Kenya's shared water resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

Ministry Of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Julius Korir Eng Sam Alima

09/07/2026

Day 2 in Mombasa: Advancing Kenya's Transboundary Water Policy Through Regional Cooperation

Stakeholders reconvened for the second day of the Transboundary Water Policy consultative workshop in Mombasa, building on the foundational discussions, with a deeper dive into the legal, institutional and technical dimensions of managing Kenya's shared water resources.

The morning sessions examined how national, country-specific and transboundary legal frameworks interlink, followed by a focused review of the Water Act 2016, internationally recognised water conventions and global best practices. Participants engaged in robust discussions on conflict and dispute resolution mechanisms, regional cooperation, data sharing protocols and Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) approaches for shared basins and aquifers—reflecting the complexity of coordinating water governance across borders.

With more than half of Kenya's water resources shared with neighbouring countries, the discussions underscored the importance of strengthening cooperative frameworks that promote equitable and reasonable utilisation of shared rivers, lakes and aquifers while enhancing water security, environmental protection and climate resilience.

The afternoon focused on two critical cross-cutting themes: gender mainstreaming within the Transboundary Water Policy, and climate change, conservation and the sustainable management of transboundary water resources. Stakeholders also deliberated on strengthening institutional arrangements, enhancing stakeholder participation and ensuring that the policy responds to emerging challenges affecting both surface and groundwater resources.

The day concluded with plenary discussions on the final recommendations and the way forward, setting the stage for consolidating stakeholder inputs before the workshop wraps up. These engagements are instrumental in ensuring that Kenya's Transboundary Water Policy is technically robust, legally sound, evidence-based and responsive to the realities of communities that depend on shared water systems.

The Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Project (HoAGW4RP) continues to support this important process by strengthening knowledge, governance and cooperation around transboundary groundwater resources, contributing to Kenya's broader efforts to enhance water security, climate resilience and sustainable development.

The Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Project is a Government of Kenya flagship initiative implemented through the State Department for Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, with financing from the World Bank. The project targets over 700,000 people across five Arid and Semi-Arid Land border counties of Turkana, Marsabit, Wajir, Mandera and Garissa through groundwater infrastructure development, aquifer conservation and improved water management systems.

Ministry Of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Julius Korir

08/07/2026

The Ministry's commitment to accelerating progress towards SDG 6 through strategic investments, institutional strengthening and innovation continues to transform access to water and sanitation across Kenya.

Through the Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Project (HoAGW4RP), the Ministry is advancing climate-resilient groundwater infrastructure, strengthening sustainable groundwater management and improving water security for communities across Kenya's Arid and Semi-Arid Lands. These investments complement broader sector reforms aimed at improving service delivery, enhancing resilience and securing sustainable water resources for current and future generations.

Together, we remain focused on building resilient water systems that leave no one behind.

Julius Korir

08/07/2026

Low reporting does not always mean low risk. Sometimes, it signals something far more complex.

Across development and humanitarian programmes, the absence of reported Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment (SEA-SH) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases is often viewed as evidence that safeguarding systems are working. But what if silence reflects barriers to reporting rather than the absence of harm?

In this article, we explore why trust, not simply the existence of reporting mechanisms, is the true measure of an effective safeguarding system.

Drawing on experiences from the Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Project (HoAGW4RP), the article examines how social norms, power dynamics, economic realities and institutional trust shape whether survivors and witnesses feel safe enough to come forward.

It argues that safeguarding must move beyond compliance and policies on paper to systems that are accessible, culturally responsive, survivor-centred and trusted by the communities they serve.

Read the full article and join the conversation on strengthening safeguarding systems that place dignity, safety and trust at the centre of development.

Ministry Of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Julius Korir

Low reporting does not always mean low risk. Sometimes, it signals something far more complex. Across development and humanitarian programmes, the absence of reported Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment (SEA-SH) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases is often viewed as evidence that safe...

08/07/2026

Training to Enhance Operation and Maintenance Skills for Sustainable Water Supply 7th June 2026

Through the support of the Horn of Africa Ground Water for Resilience Program (HoAGW4RP), a six-day Operation and Maintenance (O&M) training was organized for trainees from Turkana County in Kitui County. The training aims to strengthen the technical capacity of local personnel responsible for managing and maintaining rural water supply systems, ensuring that ground water investments remain sustainable and functional for the communities they serve.

The six-day program aims to bring together water technicians and county water staff from Turkana and gives them the opportunity to learn from the experienced trainers and also getting to interact with successful water management initiatives in a different County. The training will cover key topics including maintenance of water supply systems, diagnosis and repair of common pump faults, borehole operation, water quality monitoring, safety procedures and record keeping.

In addition to the training equipping the trainees with technical skills, it aims to foster collaboration among the participants from different institutions, exchange of ideas and experiences to help build professional networks. The exchange of knowledge and practical experiences also allows the trainees to compare challenges and identify practical solutions applicable to their own communities.

The Horn of Africa Ground Water for Resilience Project (HoAGW4RP) remains committed in playing a role in strengthening institutional capacity and enhancing the resilience of communities across the region. By investing in skills development and technical training, the project contributes to sustainable water service delivery and supports development.



Ministry Of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Julius Korir County Government of Turkana