Research Projects

1. CIWAB

The Centre for Integrated Water and Basin Management (CIWAB) was established in 2017 through engagement of stakeholders from public, private and civil society organisations, and development partners. The Centre, anchored within Egerton University, focuses principally on knowledge creation and dissemination for improved water security, livelihood diversification and ecosystem sustainability. Through the elaborate case studies of the Mara River Basin, a comprehensive background knowledge was generated over a four-year period (2014-2017) under the Mau Mara Seregeti (MaMaSe) Sustainable Water Initiative project. Partners in the MaMaSe project delivered outputs, which were consolidated and used in formulating the functions of CIWAB. Six thematic areas were developed to constitute the functions of CIWAB. These are Water Governance, Catchment Protection and Rehabilitation, Water Resources Data, Economic Water Use and Investments, Water-Use Efficiency and Saving, And Livelihood Diversification. At CIWAB, knowledge is created within the framework of these thematic areas and disseminated through both virtual and physical training (including demand-driven and tailor-made short courses/training). The training developed at the CIWAB are pragmatic and provide knowledge that can be readily applied. This is because their development was informed by comprehensive knowledge on management of renewable natural resources, especially water acquired from river basin projects with success streams. The courses are cross-cutting targeting policy makers, managers, researchers, practitioners and beneficiaries as per their descriptions. The overall objective of the courses is to improve water security as an enabler of economic growth and wealth creation. In the process, they also contribute towards realization of national and global aspirations expressed in Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the global SDGs respectively. Through these training, CIWAB contributes to the revival of the status of water resources and improvement of all the associated benefits such as food security, wealth creation and harmonious coexistence among beneficiaries and with the environment. The trainers are drawn from the University faculty member and partners as per the field of expertise. Potential participants are always encouraged to join the courses and gain knowledge to enhance their skills in promoting wise-use of natural resources especially water as a pre-condition for securing a sustainable future. A list of training/ short courses offered at CIWAB is shown the following table.

2.CATCHMENT TO TAP (C2T)

The Catchment to Tap (C2T) is a programme under WWF-Kenya, World Waternet (WWn) and Vitens-Evides International (VEI). The programme has a vision of a healthy society with a vibrant economy free from public health concerns. It will contribute to this vision and impact through the goal of improved access and availability of clean and safe water in adequate quantities and sanitation services for all users, as well as enhanced climate resilience in the water sector, particularly for the WASH sector. The team is working closely with the Water Resources Authority (WRA). Specific Objectives of this programme are:

❖ Enhanced resilience and sustainability of the WASH sector considering climatic and socioeconomic trends through increased synergies between WASH and WRM sectors, in particular aiming to build on past and ongoing Netherlands (NL)-funded projects;

❖ Enhanced capacity of relevant authorities in the WASH-WRM sectors in Kenya to develop and implement more integrated, coherent and collaborative nexus approaches to enhance and sustain water supply and sanitation for all; and,

❖ Enhanced knowledge and sharing of information on nexus approaches for the WASH and WRM sectors, considering lessons learnt, including from NL-funded initiatives with a preferred central role for Kenyan knowledge institutions.

In line with the second objective of the programme this short course training is offered mainly to WRA officers and other players in the water sector. The training is offered by Egerton University through the Centre of Integrated Water and Basin Management (CIWAB).

Trainings offered to C2T under CIWAB since 2021

• Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Training

Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is a process that favours the coordinated management and development of water resources and of related land and other resources for the purpose of maximising in an equitable way the economic and the resulting social welfare without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems (GWP, 2000).  IWRM is therefore a systematic process for the sustainable development, allocation and monitoring of water resource use in the context of social, economic and environmental objectives.

• GIS & Analytical skill Training

Data analysis and GIS training is key in carrying out various analysis in different fields. For instance, Excel is vital in cleaning raw data and tabulation including carrying out basic manipulation of Excel point data and relating to temporal and spatial scales. On the other hand, GIS is a collection of computer hardware, software, and geographic data for capturing, managing, analysing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information. It is much more than a container of maps in digital form. Therefore, understanding conceptual issues of representing data and processes in space-time is a game changer.

• IT & Data handling Training

Information Technology (IT) plays a pivotal role in contemporary society, revolutionizing the way information is accessed, processed, and communicated. IT encompasses a broad spectrum of technologies, including computers, networks, software applications, and telecommunications, all working in tandem to facilitate the seamless flow of information. One of the key aspects of IT is data handling, which involves the collection, storage, processing, and dissemination of data. In the digital era, enormous volumes of data are generated daily, ranging from personal information to business transactions and scientific research. Effective data handling within the realm of IT involves employing robust security measures to protect sensitive information, implementing efficient data storage solutions, and utilizing advanced algorithms for data analysis to extract valuable insights.

1. TRACTOR OPERATORS PROGRAMME

Agricultural Tractor Operator Training program at Egerton University, with dedicated efforts focused on transforming tractor drivers into proficient tractor operators. The project encompasses a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge essential for efficient and sustainable agricultural field operations.

The commitment of our sponsor and partner, Hello Tractor to this initiative significantly enhances our capacity to achieve the program's objectives.