Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), a subsidiary of East African Breweries Limited (EABL), has recently announced a KES 54 million partnership with the Upper Tana-Nairobi Water Fund Trust (UTNWF Trust). This collaboration aims to bolster water conservation efforts in the Upper Tana watershed, addressing systemic water risks, enhancing water accessibility, and strengthening resilience along the Tana River basin.
The Significance of the Upper Tana Watershed
The Upper Tana watershed is a critical natural resource for Kenya, supplying 95% of Nairobi’s water and generating 65% of the country’s hydropower. However, this vital watershed faces challenges such as soil erosion, deforestation, and unsustainable agricultural practices, which threaten water quality and availability. Recognizing these issues, the UTNWF Trust was established in 2015 as Africa’s first water fund dedicated to the long-term conservation and protection of the Upper Tana watershed.
Objectives of the KBL and UTNWF Trust Partnership
The KES 54 million investment by KBL is strategically directed towards:
- Curbing Systemic Water Risks: Implementing conservation measures to reduce soil erosion and sedimentation, thereby improving water quality.
- Improving Water Accessibility: Enhancing the efficiency of water supply systems to ensure consistent access for communities and industries.
- Enhancing Resilience: Supporting sustainable agricultural practices that bolster the resilience of local communities against climate variability.
KBL’s Commitment to Sustainable Water Management
This partnership is a testament to KBL’s ongoing dedication to environmental stewardship. In 2024, KBL invested KES 190 million in the Upper Tana watershed conservation, reflecting a consistent commitment to safeguarding Kenya’s water resources.
Additionally, KBL has invested over KES 850 million in water recovery plants at its Nairobi and Kisumu facilities, collectively capable of recovering 1,968 cubic meters of water daily.
The Role of UTNWF Trust in Watershed Conservation
The UTNWF Trust operates by addressing threats to water security at their source through smart, local, and long-term investments in watershed conservation and management. By focusing on the most at-risk areas of the watershed, the Trust helps farmers adopt practices that increase water and food security, such as vegetated buffer zones along riverbanks, terracing, agroforestry, reforestation, and water harvesting.
Impact on Local Communities and Businesses
The collaboration between KBL and the UTNWF Trust is poised to yield significant benefits:
- For Communities: Improved water quality and availability, leading to better health outcomes and enhanced agricultural productivity.
- For Businesses: Reliable water supply ensures uninterrupted operations, which is crucial for industries reliant on consistent water access.
- For the Environment: Restoration and preservation of ecosystems within the watershed, promoting biodiversity and ecological balance.
As stewards of industry and community, Kenyan business professionals have a pivotal role to play in sustainable resource management. Engaging in partnerships like that of KBL and the UTNWF Trust not only safeguards essential resources but also enhances corporate social responsibility profiles and ensures long-term operational sustainability.
Take Action Today:
- Assess Your Water Footprint: Understand how your business utilizes water and identify areas for improvement.
- Invest in Conservation Initiatives: Allocate resources to projects that protect and restore vital watersheds.
- Collaborate with Environmental Organizations: Partner with entities like the UTNWF Trust to amplify the impact of conservation efforts.
By taking these steps, businesses can contribute to a sustainable future, ensuring that Kenya’s water resources remain abundant and clean for generations to come.
