Written by Jilopa K Ezra
The Nakuru County Government, under the leadership of Governor Susan Kihika, has continued to enhance water security and ecosystem restoration since assuming office in 2022 by rehabilitating degraded rivers and springs across the county.
Through the Department of Water, Environment, Energy, Climate Change and Natural Resources, and with funding from the Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLoCCA) Programme, the county has successfully rehabilitated eight springs and rivers aimed at restoring critical water catchment areas, improving access to clean and safe water, conserving biodiversity and strengthening resilience to climate change.
FLoCCA-Funded Rivers and Springs Rehabilitated Since 2022
Water Source Status
Kiboko Spring Rehabilitated
Tayan Spring Rehabilitated
Chikamba Spring Rehabilitated
Kapselele Spring Rehabilitated
Mireroni–Mbaruk River Rehabilitated
River Ndarugu Rehabilitated
Njoro–Nessuit River Rehabilitated
Muro River (Elburgon) Rehabilitated
The rehabilitation works, fully funded through the FLoCCA Programme, have included spring protection, riverbank stabilisation, erosion control measures, fencing of water sources, desilting, catchment restoration and community sensitisation to ensure the sustainable management of these vital water resources.
The restored rivers and springs have improved water availability for households, schools, health facilities, and farming communities, while protecting fragile ecosystems, enhancing groundwater recharge, reducing soil erosion, and strengthening the county’s resilience to the effects of climate change. The interventions have also contributed to the restoration of degraded catchment areas and improved the long-term sustainability of water resources across the county.
Nakuru County CECM for Water and Environment, Dr Nelson Maara, who has been leading the countywide ecosystem restoration initiatives, said the rehabilitation of rivers and springs demonstrates the county government’s unwavering commitment to protecting water resources, restoring degraded ecosystems and improving the livelihoods of communities.
Dr Maara noted that through the FLoCCA Programme, the county has implemented transformative climate resilience projects that directly benefit residents by improving water security, conserving biodiversity, and protecting critical water catchment areas. He reaffirmed the department’s commitment to expanding ecosystem restoration initiatives and strengthening partnerships to ensure sustainable management of natural resources across the county.
Chief Officer for Water, Environment, Energy, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Stella Mwaura, said the successful rehabilitation of the eight rivers and springs reflects the county government’s commitment to restoring degraded ecosystems and safeguarding critical water sources for present and future generations.
She noted that the FLoCCA-funded interventions have significantly improved access to clean, reliable water for households, schools, health facilities, and farming communities, while enhancing environmental sustainability and climate resilience across the county.
The Chief Officer emphasised that community participation remains central to the programme’s success, urging residents to protect rehabilitated rivers and springs by conserving riparian areas, preventing pollution, and embracing sustainable environmental practices.
Ms Mwaura further reaffirmed the department’s commitment to implementing more climate-resilient projects under the FLoCCA Programme, including river restoration, spring protection, water harvesting, and catchment conservation, to ensure sustainable natural resource management and secure water resources for future generations.
The Nakuru County Government remains committed to leveraging climate financing through the FLoCCA Programme to restore degraded ecosystems, protect water catchment areas and strengthen climate resilience through collaborative action with communities, national government agencies and development partners.