EABL Foundation and USAID Western Kenya Water Project Sign a USD 450,000 (KES 60 million) Partnership to Enhance Water Service Provision

Nairobi, Kenya, 30^th May 2024—East African Breweries PLC (EABL) Foundation has partnered with the Western Kenya Water Project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), for a three-year collaboration and has set aside USD 150,000 (KES 20 million) to be invested annually on various last mile water projects in Western Kenya. The projects will be executed by the EABL Foundation, which will conduct hydrological studies, drill, and equip boreholes using renewable energy to ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place to provide clean and reliable water sources. By leveraging its resources and expertise, the EABL Foundation will lay the groundwork for sustainable water access in the target regions.

Western Kenya Water Project will further expand these water initiatives to local communities by implementing water storage and distribution systems. They will ensure that the benefits of the water projects reach those in need by prioritizing comprehensive community engagement.  Their efforts will include training local communities on water project management and gender inclusivity, fostering a sense of ownership and long-term sustainability. EABL Foundation’s Managing Director, Eric Kiniti, expressed optimism about the transformative impact this collaboration will have on communities in Western Kenya.

“EABL Foundation is dedicated to making a positive impact on the economic, social, and environmental well-being of the communities where we operate. We are excited to partner with the Western Kenya Water Project to achieve our goals. Together, we aim to improve water access and promote sustainable agricultural practices in Western Kenya. Our collaboration will ultimately lead to better living standards for the communities we serve,” he said. To ensure women are actively involved in decision-making within water project management committees, the Western Kenya Water Project will support the dissemination of a gender inclusion toolkit that was developed by Diageo in collaboration with Care International.

Western Kenya Water Project Chief of Party, Japheth Mbuvi, stated, “This partnership marks a significant step towards addressing the pressing challenges on access to safe water faced by communities in Western Kenya. By pooling our resources and expertise, we can make meaningful strides in enhancing the delivery of inclusive and sustainable services that strengthen water security in last-mile communities and management of water resources, leading to sustainable development outcomes for the region.” The anticipated outcomes of this partnership are far-reaching. Improved access to safe water services will enhance public health and reduce waterborne diseases. Community training and engagement will increase the sustainability of water investments. The mobilization of new resources to the water services sector will drive further development.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the EABL Foundation and Western Kenya Water Project underscores both organisations’ shared commitment to promoting sustainable development outcomes for the region.