The International Water Stewardship Programme (IWaSP) seeks to initiate multi-stakeholder partnerships with the private sector, the public sector and the civil society in order to formulate and implement measures to improve water security for all parties. The Naivasha Lake and its catchment are an important water source for many different water users and sectors, as well as Kenya’s capital Nairobi. In order to sustainably secure water access, IWaSP supports the renaturation and protection of the Naivasha Lake and catchment. A multi-stakeholder partnership with the government, the private sector, and civil society has been initiated to improve water management and access to qualitative water in order to prevent conflicts. To reach these objectives WUA’s (Water User Associations) were developed with the support of WIN, WWF und WRMA/IWRAP. These WUA’s contribute to the management and protection of the local water resources and are supported by IWaSP with trainings in skills including community organization andcommunication with other stakeholders like the government or private sector. In cooperation with EnDev (Energizing Development) and the WWF, IWaSP supports the introduction of energy efficient ovens in order to reduce the consumption of fuel wood which causes erosion, floods, sedimentation, pollution etc.

Strengthening the WRUAs as local water resources institutions helps them get more attention in current and future partnerships. WWF, WRMA, the Water Integrity Network, and IWaSP developed a self-assessment tool to aid this endeavor. Based on the outcomes of the assessment, tailor-made training modules were conducted with a focus on “Good Governance” and “Communication” (including representation of communities in the catchment), elements that are crucial in conflict management within the WRUA.

Project Results

1. Water access and availability are improved through rehabilitation, protection, extension and regulation of access to water from existing sources, roof water harvesting in public institutions, and improvement of school and dispensary infrastructures.

2. IWaSP facilitated sustainable management of riparian zones through:

• Development of management guidelines for riparian zones
• Mapping, pegging, and rehabilitation of highly degraded riparian zones

3. WRUA support system developed through the following steps:

• Establish status of functioning of 8 WRUAs
• Develop tailor-made trainings / support program for each WRUA
• Increase visibility and membership of the WRUAs
• 4 pilot WRUAs in the LNB manage their core duties in a more accountable and professional manner
• WRUA members and local actors are aware of functions, services and decisions of their WRUA and trust WRUA officials to represent them
• The 12 WRUAs in the LNB increasingly engage as a group at policy level and advocate for sustainable and transparent catchment level
• Development in pilot WRUAs are recognized as good practice examples and the tools are integrated in approaches and guidelines for strengthening WRUAs at national level 4.Reduction of Fuel Wood Consumption

4. Per household an average of 40% of fuel wood and money spent on it is saved; which is the equivalent to sustainably safeguarding 1.350ha of forest area per year. WRUA members and communities are sensitized on importance and conservation of forests & eco-systems.

5.Other important outcomes not directly related to IWaSP: job creation, time saving for households (especially vulnerable members: women and children), increased health of vulnerable household members (women and children), decreased fire hazards, 45.000 emission reduction of ton CO2 / year