Enhancing Springs Protection Access and Livelihoods

Enhancing Springs Protection Access and Livelihoods (ESPAL) is part of the larger Initiative for Sustainable Landscapes Program (ISLA), led by IDH in collaboration with the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) and Browns Plantations. This initiative is being implemented in the Southwestern Mau region of Kenya and aims to restore and conserve 60,000 hectares of the Mau Forest by 2030.

The ESPAL initiative supports increased access to clean water for domestic use, livestock, and agricultural purposes in the Sondu sub-basin. It also contributes to water conservation efforts across the Nakuru, Kericho, and Bomet counties. Recognising the rising water insecurity caused by changes in land use and land cover, the climate crisis, and challenges in water resource management, ESPAL contributes to mitigating water quality degradation and scarcity.

Project objectives

• Identify and prioritise springs requiring protection.

• Conduct hydrological surveys to assess water quality and quantity.

• Mobilise local communities to participate in spring protection activities.

• Construct appropriate spring protection structures to prevent erosion and improve water access.

• Train local communities in sustainable water management practices to enhance water conservation and governance.

Expected outcomes

1. Improved accessibility to clean drinking water.

2. Enhanced health and sanitation conditions.

3. Increased resilience to climate change impacts.

4. Greater economic opportunities, especially in agriculture.

5. Enhanced community participation and ownership in water resource management.