In the face of mounting environmental degradation, water scarcity, and rising community tensions over access to water, stakeholders from Kenya and Tanzania have come together in a historic show of unity and resolve. The fourth edition of the Journey of Water campaign — and the first to cross national borders — concluded with a powerful set of commitments aimed at reversing the damage to shared freshwater ecosystems and ensuring equitable access to water for people, nature, and future generations.

The campaign followed the path of River Kimengelia, beginning at its source in Rongai, Tanzania, flowing through Noolturesh Spring and Oldip, and culminating at Olposare Spring in Iltilal, Kenya. Along this transboundary route, participants witnessed both the beauty and fragility of the ecosystems that sustain thousands of lives across the region.

A Journey of Discovery — and Alarm

The campaign revealed stark contrasts between well-preserved upper catchments and increasingly degraded middle and lower catchment areas. In Tanzania, the upper catchments were marked by clean water, intact forests, and minimal pollution — a testament to effective conservation and low human interference. In Kenya, government-led dam construction projects were noted as positive steps toward improving irrigation and water access.

Environmental challenges facing shared water resources

Participants observed widespread encroachment on riparian zones, with farming and settlement activities occurring dangerously close to water bodies. Illegal water abstraction using portable generators was rampant, and pollution from pesticides, plastic waste, and livestock runoff was evident across several sites. Unsustainable irrigation practices, including flood irrigation and complete river diversion, were depriving downstream communities of access to water. The lack of sanitation infrastructure, coupled with widespread washing in river systems, further exacerbated the degradation of water quality.

Deforestation and charcoal burning were contributing to the loss of forest cover in catchment areas, while limited community awareness of water laws and sustainable farming practices hindered efforts to protect these vital resources. Women, in particular, bore the brunt of water scarcity, often walking long distances to fetch water for domestic use. Rising conflicts over water access, including the presence of illegal security groups, underscored the urgency of coordinated and inclusive water governance across the Kenya-Tanzania border.

Stakeholder commitments to sustainable water management

In response to these challenges, stakeholders from communities, government institutions, civil society, and the private sector committed to a series of resolutions designed to address both immediate threats and long-term sustainability.

Communities pledged to take ownership of water conservation through regular public meetings, local radio broadcasts, storytelling, and the translation of water-related information into local languages. Women’s empowerment was prioritized through representation in water committees and training in water purification and governance. Youth engagement was also emphasized, with plans to establish environmental clubs, ambassador programs, and creative competitions focused on water conservation. Cultural practices and traditional knowledge were recognized as valuable tools in reinforcing respect for water bodies, and communities agreed to implement equitable water allocation schedules to ensure fair access.

Governments on both sides of the border committed to strengthening enforcement of water laws, protecting riparian zones, and prosecuting illegal abstraction. Infrastructure development was also prioritized, with plans to expand rainwater harvesting systems, construct check dams, and build community reservoirs. Legal awareness campaigns, signage near water sources, and educational materials for schools were identified as key strategies for improving public understanding of water rights and responsibilities. Inclusive governance platforms were proposed to ensure that women, youth, and local leaders are actively involved in decision-making processes. Funding for local conservation efforts, including tree planting and support for water user associations, was also pledged.

Non-governmental organizations, private sector actors, and civil society groups committed to restoring degraded ecosystems through tree planting and agroforestry. Innovation was encouraged, with support for smart irrigation systems, water recycling technologies, and mobile tools for reporting water misuse. Partnerships with religious leaders, elders, and youth groups were seen as essential for spreading conservation messages, while gender equity was emphasized through projects that ensure safe and reliable access to water for women and girls, and promote their leadership in water governance.

A turning point for water conservation in Kenya and Tanzania

All stakeholders agreed on the importance of protecting forest cover through school and community initiatives, improving legal literacy, and ensuring inclusive participation in all water-related decisions. Local leadership development was identified as a priority, alongside the marking and fencing of riparian zones to prevent further encroachment. Diverse communication channels, including community radios, local leaders, and creative media, were seen as vital for amplifying awareness and accountability.

The Journey of Water 2025 campaign has set a new precedent for regional cooperation in water conservation. By walking the river’s path together, listening to affected communities, and committing to action, Kenya and Tanzania have demonstrated that water — though it knows no borders — can unite rather than divide. As the campaign concludes, the real journey begins: implementing these resolutions, monitoring progress, and holding each other accountable to the shared vision of a water-secure future for all.