Integrated and inclusive water management: experiences of community resistance to harmful investment projects with a watershed approach in Kenya.

Historically, the government of Kenya attempted to have the sole responsibility of providing water, both for domestic and irrigation purposes, for all communities in the newly independent country in the early 1960. However, it soon became apparent that by itself, the government would not be able to address the many challenges in the water sector. In 2002, the government enacted a Water Act with far reaching reforms to the water sector, especially to provide a framework for communities and private sector entities to play a role in water resource management and also in water supply. Amended in 2016, the Water Act established Water Resource Users Associations (WRUAs) as community level institutions for sub-catchment conservation, conflict management and to provide guidance on water supply and distribution, and it was a major step in opening up the water sector. However, there continues to be institutional conflicts, low capacities, political interference and limited resources to ensure the equitable and equal distribution of water in Kenya, a country that is classified as being 80% arid and semi-arid. Conflicts between the national government institutions and the 47 devolved units (counties) with regard to responsibilities and resource allocation for water also undermine transparent and inclusive water governance. The session speakers and panelist will talk about how community organizing, capacity building, research and data collection and dissemination, awareness raising, and advocacy and progressive county policies can play a role in enhancing the sustainable conservation of water resources, catchment forests and river sand resources and also more equitable water distribution. Greater transparency and inclusion in basin-level management of water and the networking of communities within these basins can also play a significant role in enhancing the awareness of the need to manage shared resources collaboratively, for the benefit of all. The disruptively role of water privatization, especially by foreign entities in collaboration with local city governments shall also be highlighted.

Date: November 21st, 2024.

Time: 11:00 BR/ 17:00 EAT / 19:30 IN / 16:00 CEST.

More information and the registration link will become available.