Eldoret, Kenya’s thriving city known for its world-class athletes, is facing a challenge: meeting the growing demand for clean water. But fear not, because we have an exciting opportunity to ensure a sustainable water supply for Eldoret and its neighboring Iten town. Introducing the Eldoret-Iten Water Fund (EIWF)!
Picture this: majestic water towers like Cherangany Hills, Elgeyo Hills, and the northern Mau Forest. These natural wonders not only provide water for farming activities and the cities downstream but also shelter diverse wildlife, including rare bird and mammal species.
Now, here’s the juicy part. Rising urbanization and land expansion are threatening this precious resource. Farmers have encroached on cloud forest reserves, damaging soil fertility and causing erosion. Siltation is compromising water quality, and deforestation is on the rise due to charcoal and timber demand. It’s time to act!
In collaboration with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company is bringing you a game-changing approach. The EIWF harnesses the power of nature to enhance water quality and quantity, all at a fraction of the cost of traditional treatment infrastructure. It’s a win-win!
Our approach involves working with public and private sector organizations, farmers, and communities to implement nature-based solutions for sustainable soil and water conservation. We’re replanting and conserving indigenous forests, adopting good agricultural practices, and restoring wetlands. But that’s not all!
We’re also empowering farmers with improved value chains for honey, fruit trees, livestock-keeping, and non-forest products. With sound governance structures in place, we ensure a sustained investment in the EIWF. We’re taking it to the next level!
Here’s what you can expect by 2025: the restoration and improvement of 120,000 hectares of land, the growth of a staggering one million trees, the construction of 2,000 water pans for household use and irrigation, and the installation of 10 water quality and quantity monitoring stations. That’s just the beginning!
We’re training water users associations, rehabilitating riparian areas, and increasing dry season streamflow. Say goodbye to excessive sedimentation and costly water treatment. And guess what? We’re boosting food production by 30% while enhancing alternative livelihoods and wood fuel value addition.
With the Eldoret-Iten Water Fund, we’re securing clean water for the City of Champions, preserving our natural heritage, and empowering communities. It’s time to raise a glass to a sustainable future! Join us on this exciting journey and be part of the solution. Together, we can make a splash!
ELDORET-ITEN WATER FUND: SECURING CLEAN WATER FOR THE CITY OF CHAMPIONS
