Eldoret–Iten Water Fund hits critical milestone with Government support
JOSEPH NG’ANG’A-KNA
The Government has reiterated its dedication to sustainable water management and climate resilience as the Eldoret–Iten Water Fund moves into a pivotal phase on its path to 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 made 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 mobilizing a USD 3 million endowment fund to ensure longterm 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 (IFAD) on behalf of the Global Environmental Facility (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 percent 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 prioritizing the expansion of restoration efforts and farmer support.