By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, July 6, 2026 - The Government of Kenya and the Government of Denmark have launched a Sh2.5 billion programme aimed at restoring the Ewaso Ng'iro Basin and strengthening climate resilience in five counties that depend on the country's largest river system in northern Kenya.
The five-year Ewaso Ng'iro Basin Water and Climate Resilience Programme (EWCP), unveiled on Monday, seeks to protect water resources, rehabilitate degraded ecosystems and improve livelihoods in Laikipia, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Meru and Isiolo counties.
The initiative is being implemented through a partnership between the Government of Kenya, the Royal Danish Embassy, the Water Sector Trust Fund (WaterFund), county governments, water sector institutions, development partners and local communities.
Speaking during the launch, WaterFund said the programme marks a major step towards addressing the growing impacts of climate change, prolonged droughts, environmental degradation and increasing demand for water that have placed immense pressure on the Ewaso Ng'iro Basin.
"For generations, the Ewaso Ng'iro Basin has sustained communities, nourished farms, supported wildlife and powered local economies. Today, a new chapter in that story begins," the agency said.
The programme will finance projects aimed at restoring water catchments, conserving ecosystems, enhancing water security and building the capacity of communities to adapt to climate-related challenges.
A key milestone during the launch was the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between WaterFund and the five participating county governments, formalising their commitment to jointly implement the programme and promote sustainable management of water resources.
The agreements are expected to strengthen collaboration between the national and county governments in restoring degraded landscapes, protecting river catchments and promoting nature-based solutions to water scarcity.
The launch was presided over by Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Eng. Eric Murithi Mugaa and attended by Principal Secretaries, representatives of the Royal Danish Embassy, governors from the participating counties, WaterFund leadership, development partners and stakeholders from across the water sector.
The Cabinet Secretary said the programme adopts an integrated approach to water resource management by bringing together government agencies, local communities and development partners to ensure long-term sustainability of the basin.
The Ewaso Ng'iro Basin is one of Kenya's most critical water resources, supporting millions of people through domestic water supply, irrigation, livestock production, tourism and wildlife conservation. However, years of recurrent drought, climate change, deforestation and degradation of water catchments have threatened its sustainability.
Through the new programme, the Government aims to reverse environmental degradation while improving access to reliable water supplies and strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities against the effects of climate change.
Officials who spoke emphasised on investing in healthy ecosystems is essential to safeguarding rivers, supporting sustainable livelihoods and driving long-term economic development across the region.
The Sh2.5 billion investment is expected to accelerate Kenya's efforts to achieve water security, climate resilience and sustainable development while ensuring that the Ewaso Ng'iro Basin continues to support people, wildlife and economic activities for generations to come.
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