Our History

Our History – Restoring Landscapes, Empowering People

The Eldoret–Iten Water Fund (EIWF) was established in response to the growing need to protect three of Kenya’s most critical water towers: Cherangany Hills, Elgeyo Hills, and the northern Mau Forest. These landscapes are home to globally significant biodiversity and serve as vital water sources for smallholder farmers and the downstream cities of Eldoret and Iten. EIWF is committed to strengthening the resilience of ecosystems that support both people and nature. By uniting the government, Indigenous communities, private sector partners, and conservation experts, the Fund works to build a water-secure future, powered by science, local ownership, and sustainable financing.

2022 – Planting the seed
  • June: EIWF received official approval from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), including CEO sign-off.
  • July: The Nature Conservancy (TNC) requested implementation approval from IFAD. A implementation project team and office was set up in Eldoret by end month.
  • August: EIWF was officially launched in Eldoret, in a high-profile event led by the Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forestry. A learning trip to the Upper Tana Water Fund followed, exposing the team to best practices.
  • October–November: Ten key stakeholders attended the Africa Water Funds Training in Sagana. Meanwhile, catchment degradation modelling began using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT).
  • December: The private sector pledged $400,000 in matching funds to support complementary conservation work.
2023 – Deepening the roots
  • January–March: EIWF carried out a comprehensive Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process with the Indigenous communities. Ogiek, Cherangany and Sengwer representatives were elected to the project’s Steering Committee.
  • April: Four county staff were seconded as Extension Assistants. ELDOWAS hired four project staff, and two interns joined the team.
  • June: H.E. Mama Rachel Ruto, EGH, launched the One Million Tree Growing Campaign, reaffirming national support. The Project Steering Committee was also formally appointed.
  • July: GIS mapping and registration of 23,000 farmers commenced to support restoration and monitoring.
  • August: The Steering Committee reviewed the annual workplan and budget. The Sengwer community signed their FPIC.
  • September: EIWF co-created Indigenous People Action Plans (IPAPs) with the Ogiek and Sengwer and Cherangany communities.
  • December: Conservation storytelling took centre stage as EIWF partnered with the African Conservation Journalism Masterclass, earning features in The Star and Tuko News.
2024 – Growing Impact
  • February: The National Museums of Kenya conducted a Biodiversity Condition Gradient Survey across the project area.
  • August: The EIWF hosted the TNC–IFAD EIWF induction in Eldoret, strengthening alignment among key stakeholders.
  • October: Participatory Forest Management Plans (PFMPs) were validated for Cheptongei and Cherangany Forests, in partnership with local communities.