The Kisumu Water and Sanitation Company (KIWASCO) expressed their enthusiasm as they revealed the receipt of a substantial funding of Sh10 Million from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
WWF, a renowned non-governmental conservation organization, has consistently championed the cause of sustainable natural resource management, making this financial infusion a crucial milestone for KIWASCO's endeavors.
"We are excited to announce that we have received funding to the tune of Sh10 Million from the World Wide Fund for Nature. This generous grant will serve as a catalyst for our efforts in conserving and protecting vital water resource areas, especially in the face of climate change's adverse effects," proclaimed KIWASCO's Managing Director, Thomas Odongo.
The grant will be instrumental in enhancing the conservation of the water resource areas in the region, notably the rehabilitation of the degraded Kajulu Hills and Nyang'ori catchment area.
These regions are pivotal in maintaining a sustainable and reliable water supply for the city of Kisumu. The funding will not only act as a shield against the environmental degradation threatening these areas but will also play a significant role in combating climate change effects.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this initiative is its profound impact on local communities. KIWASCO plans to strengthen its partnerships with community forest and water resource users' associations, focusing on capacity building.
The objective is to instill a culture of sustainable natural resource conservation in the region, ensuring that these essential ecosystems continue to thrive for generations to come.
In what can only be described as excellent news for over 200,000 residents of Kisumu city, improved access to adequate and safe drinking water is on the horizon.
The Sh9.9 Million grant from WWF-Kenya to the Kisumu County Government, channeled through KIWASCO, promises to make a significant difference in the lives of the city's inhabitants.
Water scarcity has been a pressing issue in the region, largely due to the environmental degradation and climate change threatening the key water source areas.
"As the Governor of Kisumu, I am deeply grateful for the generous donation from WWF. This funding is not just an investment in our environment; it's an investment in the well-being and future of our county.
"It will empower us to protect our vital water resources, combat climate change, and improve the lives of our residents. Together, we are creating a Kisumu that is sustainable, resilient, and thriving for generations to come," said Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyongo.
WWF-Kenya extended this generous grant to KIWASCO to bolster their efforts in safeguarding these critical catchment areas. The aim is to not only protect the environment but to ensure the continued availability of clean and safe water to the residents of Kisumu City.
"At WWF-Kenya, we are deeply committed to the conservation of water resources and catchments, and ensuring access to clean water for all. The donation made today underscores our dedication to this cause.
"We believe that by supporting KIWASCO under the Catchment to Tap (C2T) Project, we are taking a significant step toward a sustainable future for Kisumu City and its residents," Dr. William Ojwang, Freshwater Lead at WWF-Kenya, emphasized.
WWF-Kenya has been actively promoting integrated water resources management (IWRM) for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) through the Catchment to Tap project since 2021.
Their work has been instrumental in improving the production of clean water and access to it, a vital goal in ensuring the well-being of communities across the country.
Notably, this initiative is not an isolated effort. WWF-Kenya, funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands in Kenya, is also poised to extend a Sh13 Million grant to the Nakuru Water and Sanitation Services Ltd (NAWASSCO) in Nakuru County and a Sh10 Million grant to the Mt Kenya Ewaso Water Partnership (MKWEP) in Laikipia County, further underscoring their commitment to providing clean water and safeguarding the environment.
With the generous funding from WWF and the dedicated efforts of KIWASCO, the future looks brighter for the residents of Kisumu City. The partnership between these organizations promises to create a sustainable and resilient future, where clean and accessible water is a reality for all.
