More than 4.8 million residents in Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos and Nyandarua are set to benefit from a KSh1.3 billion climate resilience project aimed at strengthening water security in the Upper Athi River catchment.
The four-year initiative, funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), will be implemented by the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) in partnership with national and county government agencies.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the programme seeks to enhance community resilience to climate change while improving access to reliable and safe water sources. The Upper Athi River catchment is a critical water source that supports farmers, pastoralists, industries and households in both urban and rural areas.
According to Mudavadi, approximately 1.15 million people will benefit directly from the project, while an estimated 4.85 million will benefit indirectly.
He noted that the initiative will help reduce vulnerability to floods and prolonged droughts, improve access to clean water, enhance food and nutrition security, and strengthen the adaptive capacity of institutions and communities.
The four counties will be responsible for operating and maintaining infrastructure developed under the project to ensure long-term sustainability beyond the funding period.
Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa described the programme as Kenya’s first Green Climate Fund-supported project under the Direct Access Modality. She added that Kenya’s GCF portfolio now includes more than 19 projects valued at about KSh38 billion.
Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Festus Ng’eno said climate change impacts are already visible across the catchment. He cited prolonged droughts in Machakos, frequent flooding in Nairobi and Kiambu, and declining water quality in parts of the region.
Nema Director General Mamo Mamo confirmed that the Green Climate Fund approved a grant of about KSh1.24 billion, with an additional KSh61 million provided as co-financing. He added that women and children are disproportionately affected by water scarcity, often spending hours searching for water during dry seasons.
Part of the funding will strengthen weather monitoring and forecasting systems in collaboration with the Kenya Meteorological Department and the Water Resources Authority. The project will also support flood early warning systems, improved data analysis, and the establishment of a National Information Centre for integrated water resource management.
Officials say the initiative marks a major step toward protecting livelihoods and securing water resources in the four counties.
