Kenya reviews policy on shared water management
Kenya is reviewing its Draft Transboundary Water Policy, 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening cooperation with neighbouring countries, improving the management of shared water resources and securing sustainable water supplies amid growing climate pressures.
The State Department for Water and Sanitation, through the Transboundary Water Directorate, convened stakeholders in Nakuru for a two-day workshop supported by the Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Project (HoAGW4RP).
The meeting brought together stakeholders to examine the proposed policy framework and recommend changes to guide the sustainable development, management and equitable utilisation of water resources that cross national boundaries.
During the first day, participants held technical presentations and plenary discussions on transboundary water security, water allocation and sharing, climate change impacts, existing national and regional policy frameworks, and international best practices in managing shared water resources.
The review comes as the management of cross-border rivers, lakes and groundwater resources remains important to water security, environmental conservation and regional stability. Shared water systems support domestic consumption, agriculture, livestock production and economic activities, making cooperation between countries essential to addressing competing demands and emerging environmental challenges.
Climate change has added pressure to these resources through changing rainfall patterns, droughts, floods and variations in water availability. A coordinated policy framework can help countries strengthen preparedness, share information and develop common approaches to managing water resources sustainably.
A key issue during the Nakuru workshop was the need for a clear and practical implementation framework. Participants highlighted the importance of defining institutional mandates and responsibilities, strengthening technical expertise and negotiation capacity, and mobilising resources to support transboundary water initiatives.
Stakeholders also called for the proposed policy to align with existing national policies and strategies to avoid conflicting responsibilities and improve coordination among institutions involved in water management.
The discussions drew on principles contained in the 1997 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses. These include equitable and reasonable utilisation of shared water resources, the obligation to prevent significant harm, cooperation between countries and the exchange of relevant information.
Such principles provide a foundation for constructive engagement between countries sharing rivers and other water systems. They also encourage decisions that consider the needs of different users while promoting the responsible and sustainable use of shared resources.
Participants further examined gaps in the draft policy and proposed amendments, focusing on institutional coordination, policy coherence and mechanisms for translating commitments into practical action.
The two-day review is expected to contribute to a more comprehensive national framework for guiding Kenya’s engagement in transboundary water governance.
Once finalised through the relevant policy processes, the framework could strengthen regional cooperation, improve the management of shared water resources and support long-term water security for communities and economies that depend on them.
