30-day notice: Sabaki Water and DFCD

This ex‑ante disclosure notice outlines the planned support of the Dutch Fund for Climate and Development (DFCD) for the Sabaki Water initiative in Kenya. The project focuses on improving water security and strengthening climate resilience for communities that depend on the Sabaki River Basin. Although the region plays a vital role in supplying water for domestic use, agriculture, and local ecosystems, it faces increasing pressure from climate variability, land degradation, and growing demand. These pressures threaten both the reliability and quality of water resources available to rural households, farmers, and downstream users. The planned intervention aims to address these structural challenges by supporting measures that improve water management, protect natural resources, and reduce vulnerabilities associated with climate change.

Under the DFCD Origination Facility, the project will undergo further feasibility work to refine climate‑resilient solutions. This may include watershed restoration, improved irrigation efficiency, catchment protection, and community‑centred resource governance. The initiative aligns with DFCD’s broader objective of promoting climate‑resilient livelihoods and securing long‑term environmental sustainability in high‑risk landscapes. By improving water availability and reducing climate‑related shocks, the project has the potential to enhance agricultural productivity, stabilise local incomes, and protect the ecological functions of the Sabaki catchment. It also supports the development of a more reliable and inclusive water supply system capable of serving both current and future needs.

Overall, the project represents an important step toward safeguarding a critical water resource while building community resilience in one of Kenya’s most climate‑vulnerable regions.