Kenya called for increased investment in watershed restoration and nature-based solutions as the Upper Tana Water Fund marked its 10th anniversary in Nairobi.

Speaking during a breakfast meeting and interview session linked to the GEF6 programme, Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Festus Ng’eno described the fund as one of Kenya’s most successful public-private partnerships for critical water sources conservation.

Dr Ng’eno noted that the fund demonstrates how cooperation between government agencies, utilities, communities and the private sector can secure long-term water quantity and quality by investing in upstream watershed restoration.

“The Upper Tana Water Fund is one of the strongest examples of a Kenyan public private partnership working to restore watersheds and ensure sustainable water supply,” he reiterated.

Importantly, Kenya became the first African country to establish a water fund in 2015 through the Upper Tana Nairobi Water Fund Trust, a model that has since inspired the creation of 17 water funds across 11 African countries.

The initiative brings together public institutions, private companies and development partners to finance conservation activities in upstream catchment areas that supply water to Nairobi and surrounding regions.

Dr Ng’eno stated that the model shows how downstream water users including utilities, businesses and government agencies can invest in upstream ecosystems to safeguard water resources.

According to the permanent secretary, the water fund aligns with Kenya’s national priorities on water security, climate resilience and environmental protection. Further, he highlighted that the programme supports the country’s commitments under the Climate Change Act, the National Water Master Plan and Kenya’s Nationally Determined Contributions.

Notably, the approach relies on nature-based solutions such as forest restoration, protection of riparian areas and improved soil health to strengthen watershed resilience.

Dr Ng’eno observed that scientific evidence shows investing in green infrastructure including forests and healthy soils can often be more cost-effective than relying solely on conventional grey infrastructure.

Over the past 10 years, the initiative has contributed to improved water quality, reduced sedimentation and enhanced dry-season river flows, benefiting millions of residents in Nairobi and surrounding areas that depend on the Upper Tana basin for drinking water.

Equally, the programme has also supported restoration of critical water tower ecosystems while improving livelihoods for local communities through agriculture, water access and environmental jobs.

In addition, the water fund has mobilised financing and technical support from multiple sectors, including national government agencies and utilities such as the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company. Private sector partners supporting the initiative include East African Breweries Limited, Frigoken, Pentair and the Coca-Cola Africa Foundation, alongside international partners such as the Global Environment Facility and the Embassy of Sweden in Kenya.

Dr Ng’eno emphasised that the partnership demonstrates how coordinated public and private investment can protect natural assets that underpin economic development.

Looking ahead, the PS urged development partners, climate funds, local philanthropies and private sector actors to expand investment in water funds as pressures on Kenya’s water towers increase due to population growth, land-use change and climate impacts.

“The water fund model offers a high return on investment through reduced treatment costs and long-term ecosystem resilience,” Dr Ng’eno said and pointed out that the government is committed to strengthening policies and creating an environment to scale up nature-based solutions and watershed financing.

Similarly, the principal secretary pointed out, water funds also contribute to international environmental commitments, including targets under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework discussed during COP16 UN Biodiversity Conference. The framework supports land restoration, soil regeneration, and watershed rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, as Kenya celebrates a decade of the Upper Tana initiative, the government is aiming to expand similar programmes nationwide, including in Eldoret-Iten, Upper Tana, Nandi/Yala and the Coast region under Jumuiya ya Pwani.

“We envision a future where every city secures its water supply through upstream investments in nature, strengthening climate resilience while protecting biodiversity and livelihoods,” he said.

To this regard, key achievements include the construction of 1,285 kilometres of terraces, placing over 452,000 acres of farmland under sustainable land management, planting more than 5.5 million trees, conserving 984 kilometres of riparian reserves, and installing 17,163 rainwater harvesting water pans.

In attendance were Moses Badilisha, Governor of Nyandarua County; Jennifer Morris, CEO of Nature Conservancy (virtually) and President of UTNWFT Board of Trustees Eddy Njoroge, alongside development partners and representatives from Nyeri County, Laikipia County and Murang’a County.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Michael Omondi