NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 11– Critical watersheds in Nairobi and surrounding communities are set for restoration following a $1.65 million investment by the Coca-Cola system to strengthen water security in Kenya.
The initiative will focus on the Upper-Tana and Mid-Galana basins, incorporating agroforestry systems to support Nairobi’s main water reservoirs and rainwater harvesting in groundwater recharge areas for Mzima Springs.
Working in partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and local community-based organizations, the project seeks to replenish water supplies, restore riparian zones through the planting of thousands of indigenous trees, and improve water quality.
It will also promote sustainable land management by transforming degraded farmlands and rangelands, establishing hundreds of farm ponds, and planting fruit orchards to enhance food security and provide alternative livelihoods for local communities.
The program is part of the Coca-Cola system’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative, launched last year by the Coca-Cola Africa Operating Unit and its authorized bottlers—Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company (ECCBC), and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (HBC).
The initiative represents a nearly USD 25 million commitment to tackle water-related challenges across 20 African countries by 2030.
It will be led by the Global Water Challenge (GWC) and implemented by partners including TNC, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
“As we face growing global water insecurity, with demand exceeding supply in many regions, including Africa, Coca-Cola is committed to accelerating efforts to address water stress, protect local resources, and strengthen community climate resilience,” said Alfred Olajide, Vice President of Franchise Operations, East and Central Africa at Coca-Cola Central, East and West Africa Limited.
Coca-Cola Beverages Kenya (CCBK) General Manager James Bowmaker emphasized the company’s responsibility to safeguard water resources.
“CCBK, as part of CCBA, has a duty to support communities facing water scarcity and protect water resources in areas where we operate, particularly those with the greatest challenges,” he said. “The Africa Water Stewardship Initiative is designed to safeguard vital watersheds while also expanding access to clean water and sanitation services.”
Ruth Masha, Country Director for TNC in Kenya, noted the importance of collaboration in protecting watersheds.
“We are proud to be one of the implementing partners for this project, aimed at protecting and restoring our watersheds through nature-based solutions and improving water security for millions across the African continent,” she said.
“We are collaborating with local communities and our grassroots partners – the Upper Tana-Nairobi Water Fund Trust, Green Generation Initiative and Jumuiya Water Fund – as we work towards a sustainable future for people and nature in Africa.”
CCBA, the largest Coca-Cola bottler in Africa and the eighth largest globally by revenue, accounts for more than 40 percent of Coca-Cola’s ready-to-drink beverages sold on the continent.
TNC is a global conservation organization working in 76 countries and territories, using collaborative, science-driven approaches to protect land and water resources.
GWC has positively impacted more than 3 million people in Africa, the Americas, and Asia since 2005 through improved access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.
