The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, through the State Department of Climate Change, acts as the GEF focal point for Kenya, overseeing and approving proposals submitted to the GEF Council. Upon approval, the Ministry supervises project implementation in coordination with IFAD. The Principal Secretary chairs the Project Steering Committee, ensuring the project aligns with national development priorities. Additionally, the Ministry plays a crucial role in reporting project outputs at the ministerial level and ensuring alignment with the national environmental agenda
The Global Environment Facility (GEF), in collaboration with Kenya’s Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, is funding the Eldoret-Iten Water Fund under GEF-7. This initiative uses the water fund model to restore watersheds, enhance water security, improve livelihoods and conserve biodiversity. It focuses on the Elgeyo Hills, Cherangany Hills and North Mau in the North Rift, promoting nature-based solutions to strengthen regional water security and climate resilience.
As the GEF executing agency, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) leads the implementation of the project. In partnership with Kenya’s Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, through the State Department of Environment and Climate Change, IFAD conducts regular supervision missions and reports progress to the GEF Council. This collaboration ensures alignment with national priorities and global environmental goals, keeping the project activities on track.
The Nature Conservancy plays a pivotal role in the Eldoret-Iten Water Fund (EIWF) by providing technical expertise, strategic planning, and funding support to enhance nature-based solutions (NBS) for water security. TNC leverages its experience in watershed protection, sustainable land management and community-driven conservation to strengthen the Water Fund’s impact.
The Two Rivers Dam is located on the Sosiani River at the confluence of the Endoroito and Ellegirini Rivers near Eldoret, and drains a 270 km² catchment originating from Kaptagat Forest. The county Government play a critical role in areas such as funding, providing human resources, policy support and the integration of sustainable land management practices within their jurisdiction.
The county Government play a critical role in areas such as funding, providing human resources, policy support and the integration of sustainable land management practices within their jurisdiction. Moiben Dam is located in Elgeyo Marakwet County, the dam draws water from the Moiben River and streams originating from Kipkunur and Embobut forests within the Cherangany Water Tower. It has a storage capacity of 6.5 Mm³ and a catchment area of 177 km².
ELDOWAS is the primary water utility company responsible for providing water supply and sanitation services in Eldoret town and its environs. The company sources water from multiple reservoirs, including Moiben, Kesses, Two Rivers, and Ellegirini Dams and processes it through treatment works before distribution As a key stakeholder in the Eldoret-Iten Water Fund (EIWF), ELDOWAS collaborates with the government agencies, The Nature Conservancy and local communities to support catchment conservation, green infrastructure, and climate-smart water management solutions.
Responsible for the sustainable management, use, and conservation of water resources in Kenya. Within the Eldoret-Iten Water Fund (EIWF), WRA plays a crucial role in overseeing water resource allocation, enforcing compliance with water use regulations and ensuring that catchment conservation efforts align with national water policies. WRA also supports the establishment and capacity building of Water Resource Users Associations (WRUAs) to enhance community-led catchment management.
As a key stakeholder in the Eldoret-Iten Water Fund (EIWF), KFS plays a crucial role in ensuring the protection and restoration of critical water catchment areas which serve as vital water sources. Through partnerships with local communities, government agencies, and conservation organizations, KFS promotes nature-based solutions to enhance watershed health and support sustainable livelihoods.
The Indigenous People (Ogiek, Sengwer and Cherang’any Communities) play a crucial role in the Eldoret-Iten Water Fund (EIWF) as stewards of natural ecosystems, bringing traditional ecological knowledge and sustainable land-use practices to conservation efforts. Their cultural and economic livelihoods are deeply tied to these natural resources, and their inclusion in decision-making fosters long-term environmental resilience. By integrating their expertise and rights into conservation strategies, the EIWF not only enhance its impact but also supports indigenous-led sustainability initiatives.
This is a list of the Water Resource Users Associations (WRUAs) and Community Forest Associations (CFAs) that are working hand-in-hand with the Eldoret-Iten Water Fund to conserve our vital water resources and forests in the counties of Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet;
WRUAs
- Moiben –Moiben catchment
- Upper Sosiani – Two Rivers catchment
- Ainabkoi-Kesses – Kesses catchment
- Chepkong’ony – Kipkaren catchment
CFAs
- Cheptongei CFA – Cheptongei forest block
- Kapyego CFA – Kapyego forest block
- Cherangani – Cherangani forest block
- Sabor – Sabor forest block
- Kipkabus – Kipkabus forest block
- Nabkoi – Nabkoi forest block