From source to future: shaping a sustainable future for the Mathare River in Kenya

Why Future Design Basecamps matter 

Future Design Basecamps (FDB) are more than workshops—they’re action-driven platforms to co-create sustainable solutions. These events empower communities and institutions to envision and realise shared goals, while fostering partnerships that transcend traditional boundaries. 

For the Mathare River, plagued by pollution, urbanisation, and climate-related challenges, this approach is essential. The FDB participants worked to not only create a vision for a revitalised river but also to build the networks and action plans needed to achieve it. 

Building a shared vision and plans for action 

The FDB opened with a powerful ceremony led by a Kikuyu elder who proclaimed, “Rûi! Rûi! [the river knows]!”—a poignant reminder of the river’s significance. Over the next three days, participants camped together near the river’s source, fostering collaboration in a shared space. 

Day 1 focused on understanding the river’s current state - from its pristine upstream origins to its polluted urban stretches. 

Day 2 was dedicated to envisioning a future for the river. Together, participants crafted a shared vision: 

“A revitalised Mathare River with a clean, thriving, and serene ecosystem as the foundation of social cohesion, cultural pride, and sustainability for Nairobi.” 

This vision included biodiversity, clean water access, and opportunities for recreation and economic growth, with indigenous knowledge and inclusive collaboration at its core. 

Day 3 was all about action. Participants formed taskforces to tackle key themes like water management, recreation, and community resilience. These groups developed short-term initiatives (to be implemented within six months) and long-term strategies. 

A milestone: creating a Water Resources Users Association 

A standout outcome of the basecamp was the commitment to establish a Water Resources Users Association (WRUA) for the Mathare River catchment. Rooted in Kenya’s Water Act, WRUAs enable communities and institutions to co-manage water resources sustainably, ensuring local ownership and long-term resilience. 

From source to future 

The FDB ended on a symbolic note, with participants visiting the river’s source. For many downstream residents, this was their first time seeing the river’s pristine spring. Drinking directly from its waters, one participant exclaimed, “The Mathare River is clean!”- a moment of hope for what’s possible when people come together for change. 

This basecamp is just the beginning. Over the coming months, taskforces will implement their plans, forging stronger collaborations to address challenges like water quality, housing, infrastructure, and economic development. 

Collaboration for a sustainable future 

The Mathare River Future Design Basecamp, supported by the Climate Adaptation Fund of WaterWorX and the Dutch Blue Deal, is a shining example of what can be achieved through integrated collaboration. It reflects World Waternet’s commitment to co-creating sustainable solutions that help communities adapt to climate change and build resilience. 

Together, step by step, we are moving forward—from the source to the future. 

Read the full blog – by Peter de Koning – Country Director Kenya here 

Want to learn more about our work in Kenya or Future Design Basecamps? Contact us at [email protected] (You are leaving this website)!