KENYA – East African Breweries PLC (EABL), through its initiative, the EABL Foundation, has entered into a KES 60 million (US$461,538.46) partnership with USAID’s Western Kenya Water Project to bolster water service provision in Western Kenya.
The collaboration aims to address critical water needs and improve living standards in the region.
Under this partnership, the EABL Foundation will undertake hydrological studies and develop water sources, while the Western Kenya Water Project will manage storage, distribution, and community training.
A key component of the project is the promotion of gender inclusion in water management committees. The Western Kenya Water Project will implement a gender inclusion toolkit developed by Diageo in collaboration with CARE International, ensuring women play an active role in decision-making processes.
Eric Kiniti, Managing Director of the EABL Foundation, emphasized the company’s commitment to improving water access and enhancing living standards in the region.
“This partnership underscores our dedication to supporting communities by providing essential water services and promoting sustainable development,” said Kiniti.
In April 2024, EABL pledged Kes 190 million (US$1.46M) towards the restoration of water towers in Kenya. This initiative aims to mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce carbon emissions, and address water scarcity.
The funds are part of a broader effort to support Kenya’s water conservation strategy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and halt deforestation.
The initiative, dubbed ‘Conservation at Scale,’ is led by The Executive Office of the President, through the Office of the Climate Envoy.
It aims to align with national climate objectives and the outcomes of the Africa Climate Summit 2023, providing high-level direction for environmental conservation efforts.
Additionally, EABL committed Kshs 60 million (US$461,538.46) to support water conservation and protection of Nairobi’s key water source, the Upper Tana.
This funding, directed to the Upper Tana Nairobi Water Fund Trust (UTNWFT), will support conservation initiatives involving both public and private sectors. The goal is to ensure the sustainable use and stewardship of the Upper Tana’s water resources.
In 2023, Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), a subsidiary of EABL, supported the Upper Tana Nairobi Water Fund with a Kes 5 million (US$38,461.54) grant. This funding helped farmers plant high-value fruit trees, contributing to climate change mitigation and providing additional income for farmers.
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