James Bowmaker, General Manager of Coca-Cola Beverages Kenya, makes remarks during the announcement of the initiative./HANDOUTCoca-Cola has invested $1.65 million (Sh212.7 million) towards restoring the Upper Tana and Mid-Galana water basins.
The project encompasses agroforestry systems designed to benefit key water reservoirs for Nairobi and rainwater harvesting in groundwater recharge areas for Mzima Springs.
In collaboration with The Nature Conservancy and local community-based organisations, this initiative aims to replenish water supplies as well as plant thousands of indigenous trees along riparian zones to enhance water quality.
The aim is to contribute to the transformation of degraded farmlands and rangelands through sustainable land management practices, with hundreds of farm ponds installed, and fruit orchards planted to improve food security and offer potential alternative livelihoods for local communities.
The project forms part of the Coca-Cola system’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative that was announced last year by the Africa Operating Unit of the Coca-Cola organisation and its authorised bottlers, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company.
It includes a nearly $25 million (about Sh3 billion) investment to help address critical water-related challenges in local communities in 20 African countries by 2030.
The work will be led by the Global Water Challenge and implemented by a consortium of partners, including The Nature Conservancy, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the World Wildlife Fund.
“As we face increasing water insecurity worldwide, with demand surpassing supply in many regions, including Africa, Coca-Cola is actively working to help accelerate efforts to address water stress, protect local water resources and build community climate resilience,” said Alfred Olajide, vice president Franchise Operations, East and Central Africa at Coca-Cola Central, East and West Africa Limited.
Coca-Cola Beverages Kenya general manager James Bowmaker said, “CCBK, as part of CCBA, has a responsibility to assist those who face water scarcity and to help protect local water resources where we operate, especially in places with the biggest challenges."
"The Coca-Cola system’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative aims to help protect and enhance the health of important watersheds and to help improve access to water and sanitation services in local communities.”
Ruth Masha, Kenya country director at TNC, added, “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."
"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.”
Global Water Challenge is a sector leader in mobilising clean water access, advancing water security and community empowerment in high need regions around the world.
Since 2005, GWC has positively impacted more than three million people across Africa, the Americas and Asia with improved WASH delivery while providing critical tools, data and best practices to reach millions more.
