By Faith Esika;
In late August, the Eldoret-Iten Water Fund (EIWF), together with Xylem, the Water Resources Authority (WRA), and Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (ELDOWAS), took a bold step forward in modernizing river flow monitoring across the watershed.
To strengthen data-driven restoration, EIWF has introduced state-of-the-art Acoustic Doppler Velocimeters (ADV) and Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCP), tools that use acoustic signals to capture detailed flow patterns, sediment transport, and overall river health. Unlike traditional flow measurement methods, these instruments provide precise, high-resolution insights even in complex terrains, giving us the ability to better understand the dynamics of both low and high flows in our river system.
But technology is only as powerful as the people who use it. To ensure impact, Xylem Water Solutions led a joint training for EIWF, WRA, and ELDOWAS technical teams, combining theory with hands-on practice. Participants learned how to calibrate, deploy, and interpret data from the ADV and ADCP, gaining real-world experience in tackling challenges like velocity profiling and sediment measurement. The training marked a turning point in building local expertise while laying the foundation for stronger Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) systems.
With these tools and skills in place, EIWF can now track changes in river flows and sediment loads more accurately, helping to measure the success of upstream restoration efforts. The data generated will not only guide adaptive management but also provide credible, scientific evidence to county governments, Water Resource User Associations (WRUAs), and other partners working to safeguard water resources.
As restoration activities scale under the Eldoret-Iten Water Fund, this leap in hydrological monitoring reflects our commitment to coupling innovation with community-led conservation. By investing in knowledge and technology, we are building a more resilient watershed, where clean water, thriving ecosystems, and sustainable livelihoods go hand in hand.
