Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority

FROM SOURCE TO CONFLUENCE: TARDA ADVANCES PREPARATION OF THE INTEGRATED ATHI RIVER BASIN PLAN

For the past two weeks, teams from the Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority have been following the Athi River Basin—not from behind office desks, but on the ground, where the river begins, where it is nurtured, and where it faces its greatest pressures.

This field exercise forms part of the preparation of the Integrated Athi River Basin Plan, a strategic framework that will guide the sustainable development, management and restoration of one of Kenya's most important river systems.

Planning an entire river basin cannot be based on assumptions. It must be grounded in evidence.

That is why our teams have engaged communities, institutions, environmental groups, county and national government officers, researchers, farmers, conservationists and private sector actors to understand not only the challenges facing the basin, but also the opportunities that already exist within it.

From the peat bogs of Ondiri Wetland, where the Athi's journey begins, to the forests of Thogoto and Oloolua, the springs of Kikuyu, the wetlands of Karai and Manguo, the Kiserian River and Kiserian Dam, and innovative farms demonstrating sustainable agriculture, organic production and biogas technology and so many other sites, every stop has contributed another piece to understanding the basin as one interconnected system.

The exercise has also revealed an important reality. Water pollution, degradation of river ecosystems, flood risks and unsustainable land use rarely occur in isolation. They are often linked to broader issues such as inadequate sewer infrastructure, poor solid waste management, encroachment of riparian areas and increasing pressure on natural resources.

Addressing these challenges requires more than isolated interventions. It demands integrated planning informed by reliable data and strengthened through collaboration.

TARDA is therefore deeply grateful to the many institutions and individuals who have generously shared their knowledge, opened their doors and walked alongside our technical teams throughout this exercise. We particularly acknowledge the invaluable support of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), Regional Administrative Offices, county government officials, community leaders, environmental organizations including Friends of Ondiri Wetland Kenya - FOWK, private sector stakeholders, researchers, farmers and the many communities across the Athi River Basin whose local knowledge is helping shape this important planning process.

Their contributions are ensuring that the Integrated Athi River Basin Plan reflects not only technical assessments, but also the lived realities of the people and ecosystems that depend on the basin every day.

As this phase of fieldwork draws to a close, TARDA remains committed to developing an integrated basin plan that provides practical, evidence-based solutions for restoring river health, strengthening water security, reducing flood risks, supporting sustainable livelihoods and guiding coordinated development across the Athi River Basin.

Because restoring a river begins with understanding it.

And understanding it begins by listening.