Strategic Partnership for Urban Water Resilience: Launch of the Water as Leverage Nakuru Program

News item | 02-12-2024 | 09:16

On September 18, 2024, a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Kenya, Nakuru County Government, and the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation (MoWSI) to launch the Water as Leverage Nakuru (WAL Nakuru): For a Resilient Sponge City program.

This transformative initiative aims to address the pressing challenge of “too much, too little, and too dirty water” by adopting a comprehensive approach that blends innovative policies, cutting-edge technologies, and sustainable water practices. By treating water as leverage, the program will enhance climate resilience, mitigate environmental impacts, and ensure a sustainable urban future for Nakuru.

Through this collaboration, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency will work with Nakuru City to develop bankable, innovative proposals for urban water projects that tackle the city’s urgent water and climate adaptation needs. UN-Habitat will provide crucial knowledge support, helping Nakuru create solutions that build resilience and foster growth.

The MoU was officially launched in a ceremony attended by Ambassador Henk Jan Bakker, Cabinet Secretary Eng. Eric Murithi Mugaa from MoWSI, and H.E. Susan Kihika, Governor of Nakuru County. This program marks a significant step toward making Nakuru a model city for sustainable water management and climate adaptation.

This partnership underscores the commitment to creating a resilient, water-secure future for Nakuru and positions it as a leader in urban water innovation.