Regional Centre on Groundwater Resources Education, Training & Research

The Centre honoured an invitation by WASCO to attend the 13th WASCO games held at Murang'a, hosted by Murang'a Water and Sewerage Services Company Ltd (MUWASCO). The event was scheduled to be carried out from 18th to 23rd August, 2024 with a tree planting ceremony to be held at 16th August, 2024 later postponed to 19th. The theme of this year's edition is "Combating Climate change through Sports"

The WASCO games was graced by the Water Cabinet Secretary Hon. Eric Muuga, Murang'a County Governor Hon. Irungu Kang'ata and other esteemed delegates. The event kicked off with a tree planting ceremony in which the RCGW represented by Admin Benson Kimotho planted seedlings at St. Joseph's Kiangage School.

The Centre hosted a team from the Water and Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP) on 14th August, 2024 led by their new Country Manager, Mr. Anthony Ambugo, Program Coordinator, Ms. Emily Kirigha, and Program Manager, Ms. Lilian Omoga. Discussion during the courtesy call focused on collaboration opportunities between the two institutions. RCGW and WSUP have been working together on assessing the potential of implementing Managed Aquifers Recharge (MAR) on Tiwi aquifer. The project, that has been in its first phase has achieved a major milestone with the diversion points and infiltration zones already determined. In phase two scheduled for the coming year, the two institutions will work hand in hand to ensure the successful completion of the project with RCGW taking up the technical arm of the project.

The Centre was privileged to host Prof. Nian SHE - Director at Smart Utility Research Institute of Tsinghua University Innovation Centrein Zhuhai on 29th July, 2024 to further discussion on areas of collaboration in his remarkable work on Sponge City located in Seattle - USA, China, and ongoing work in Dubai. Sponge City is so timely for Kenya and would complement efforts being undertaken in Kenya by RCGW on Managed Aquifer Recharge. The concept that emphasizes the integration of natural and engineered systems to enhance water absorption, reduce runoff, and create resilient urban environments that mimic the natural water cycle will not only reduce urban floods and improve water quality but its benefits will have long lasting impacts in groundwater availability and sustainability of the valuable resource especially in the already stressed Nairobi Aquifer System. The meeting deliberations promise great results for Kenya. Towards this, a roadmap was agreed upon and the conversation on collaboration will continue. The meeting with Prof. was attended by the CEO, and staff at the Centre.
RCGW continues to work to forge more collaboration and partnership opportunities to achieve its mandate.

On 24th July, 2024 the RCGW played host to a team from South Africa who visited the Centre during their participation in CAWA Conference in Nairobi. The team was led by Ms. Lindiwe Gama- Director, Institute of Science and Technology, Department of Africa Bilateral Cooperation and her Assistant Director Ms.Karabo Mlambo , Dr. Harrison Pienaar from Council for Scientific Industrial Research (CSIR). The meeting chaired by RCGW CEO, Geol. Agnes Mbugua was held, in which the main agenda of discussion was on partnership between their 2 Institutions and the Centre.

RCGW, is part of the organizers of the ongoing Water & Environment Dialogue: China-Africa Water Forum held at Sino-Africa Joint Research Center Conference Hall, JKUAT Nairobi, Kenya from 22-27 July, 2024. Led by the CEO Geol. Agnes Mbugua, she delivered an extensive speech detailing the work ongoing at the Centre aimed at Risk Reduction through Sustainable Water Management in Developing Countries. Further, Ms. Wacuka Cynthia contributed to the knowledge sharing through a presentation that delved on determination of available excess runoff as source of water for managed aquifer recharge in Tiwi aquifer in the coastal area of Kenya.

The RCGW participated in the Kenya Sanitation Governance Conference and Exhibition 2024 held at Ciala Resort-Kisumu from 3rd to 5th July.

The conference was organised by The Ministry of Water Sanitation and Irrigation, the Water and Sanitation Providers Association (WASPA), Council of Governors, County Government of Kisumu, and Kisumu Water & Sanitation Company (KIWASCO).

The event was graced by Eng. SAO Alima the Water Secretary representing the Cabinet Secretary- Ministry of Water Sanitation and Irrigation, H.E Prof Peter Anyang' Nyong'o Governor- Kisumu County, Dr Moses Kinya Chairman- WASPA, Mr Antony Ambugo CEO-WASPA among other esteemed delegates.

The aim of the Conference was to bring together key stakeholders to deliberate on prevailing challenges, share good practices, and formulate strategies to address sanitation governance challenges in the sector to accelerate the achievement of SDG 6.

During the Conference, RCGW CEO Geol. Agnes Mbugua participated in the high level panel. She presented on Groundwater Pollution vulnerability due to poor sanitation hence the need for safely managed sanitation.

Happy

Water Sector Trust Fund - WSTF Water Resources Authority Regional Centre on Groundwater Resources Education, Training & Research

As we start the EASTER WEEKEND, the entire community of the Regional Centre on Groundwater Resources (RCGW) would like to express our sincere gratitude to our local and international partners for the continued support that you have bestowed on us. We are glad this week we had an opportunity since 24th to 28th March 2024 to interact with the leaders and community representatives of the Narok County during our quarterly programme supporting the public in creating awareness on strategies for groundwater sustainability.
A significant percentage of the representatives of the Narok County leadership and communities gained immense knowledge on groundwater development, management, and understanding of their role in protection of this important resource in Narok County. We had several sessions where the participants learnt about groundwater mapping technologies and methodologies, practices and issues affecting groundwater quality and quantity, as well as practical steps that the community can adopt to promote availability and sustainability of groundwater in Narok County.We also had an opportunity to engage the public in a tree planting exercise in Limanet Primary School and Kimelok Secondary School.

Special thanks goes to Narok County communities and the entire office of the County Commissioner, Mr. Reuben Lotiatia for hosting us and giving us an excellent platform to engage the public on groundwater awareness campaign. We appreciate the other leaders, representatives of various organizations including NGOs, Community-Based Organizations, community representatives and individuals that supported the forum in different capacities including; the Assistant County Commissioners (Mr. Abdi Shakur and Madam Carol Rose Odhiambo); the Directorate of the Ministry of Water, Mr. Micheal Otieno; Ministry of Environment Narok County; Narok Central Chief , Mr. Daniel Ole Sankale; Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS); Managing Director of the Ewaso Ng’iro South Development Authority (ENSDA); Kenya Forest Services (KFS); National Environment Management Authority (NEMA); Narok Water and Sewerage Company (NARWASCO); Water Resources Authority (WRA); National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Mr. Alfred Litunya; Maasai Mara University (MMU); National Youth Water; Narok Prisons; Directorate of Narok Albinism Association, Dir. Reuben Mabtian; Assistant Chiefs and Youth leaders; management of the two public schools led by the Principal Joseph Kenka, Madam Tabitha and Mr. Joseph Ikayo

*Elgeyo Marakwet Celebrates World Water Day with a Week of Action!*

This year, World Water Day, themed "*Leveraging Water for Peace,*" saw a busy week in Elgeyo Marakwet County, with the *Regional Centre on Groundwater Resources (RCGW)* at the heart of the action.
The week kicked off with a tree-planting ceremony at Liter Primary School, involving the local community. This event highlighted the crucial role trees play in protecting water sources and preventing soil erosion.
*RCGW* also recognized the importance of menstrual hygiene management for girls' and women's well-being and dignity. They distributed sanitary towels to local schools and communities. Additionally, dustbins were provided to promote proper waste disposal, ultimately reducing water pollution and safeguarding water quality.

Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Hon. Zachariah Njeru, led a distinguished delegation that included PS Water Mr. Julius Korir, Governor Elgeyo Marakwet Wesly Rotich, Water Secretary Eng. SAO Alima, and even the first daughter, Charlene Ruto. Their participation underscored a unified approach to water conservation and sustainable development.
The event fostered lively discussions highlighting the critical role of water and community collaboration in addressing water challenges. This emphasis underlined the importance of collective action in securing a sustainable water future for all.

The RCGW research teams have embarked on a one-week fieldwork expedition as part of the groundwater assessment programme geared towards establishing a comprehensive groundwater-surface water interaction for the Kilimanjaro Aquifer System ( ). The results of this assessment will be used to inform decisions about the quantity, distribution, and quality of groundwater resources in the area, where the immediate beneficiaries are the counties, developers, pertinent water supply and management entities, wildlife conservancies, and other stakeholder groups. Our goals are to ensure that communities have access to reliable water sources, to positively impact socioeconomic development, to improve sanitation, to produce more food, to continuously adopt nature-based solutions ( ) for the conservation of both surface and groundwater resources, and to maintain the wildlife habitat that primarily inhabits the region.

The WATER AND SANITATION INVESTORS CONFERENCE 2024 (WASIC2024) successfully concluded on March 8th at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). Hosted by the Ministry Of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation ( ) and Water Sector Trust Fund - WSTF ( ), the conference focused on "Accelerating Investments for sustainable Access to Water and Sanitation for all." Key highlights included discussions on groundwater research and development in Kenya, effective water resource management, and the crucial role of technology and expertise in promoting investments. Special recognition was given to notable contributors including moderators, speakers, and representatives from various agencies, organizations, and the private sector.The following delegates deserve special recognition for their contributions to the success of our event: Geol. Chrispine Juma, who moderated the convener session; Ms. Rhoda M. Igosangwa, our board chair; Jorgen Erik, the Water Sector Counsellor at the Royal Danish Embassy; Geol. Chrysanthus Gicheruh, the keynote speaker and former president of the Geological Society of KENYA ( ); Mr. John Waema, Water Quality Engineer from Davis & Shirtliff ; Geol. Titus Ingana, who is the Director of Research Development at the Ministry of Education - Kenya ( ) as well as a member of the RCGW Board of Directors (BOD).In a thematic session on effective water resource management, which was led by the CEO of the RCGW, Geol. Agnes Mbugua, groundwater resources were seen as essential to finding solutions to the problems exacerbated by climate change in water supply and sanitation across the country.
Collaboration with development partners was emphasized, with a commitment to furthering regulations and working relationships to enhance Kenya's groundwater resources.

Join us in our upcoming event.See our flyers and brochures for more information.

GEO EAST AFRICAN CONFERENCE AND EXPO 2024 is ongoing at Panari Hotel Nairobi since 21/02/2024. The conference has provided an excellent platform for discussions and knowledge sharing on sustainable exploitation and management of geo-resources including groundwater in Kenya.

Geologists from the Regional Centre on Ground Water Resources (RCGW) gave insights on sustainable groundwater development where Geol. Sarah Gatobu presented a paper on the impacts of structural geology on groundwater occurrence and development. We also had a presentation of some findings on an ongoing research work in Kiambu on the influence of precipitation on groundwater availability in the area by the Climate Modeling expert, Ms. Cynthia Wacuka
"Faced with mounting water challenges and the poignant issue of climate change, how do we reinvigorate the water sector and build strong institutions to handle and solve our water challenges?"

This was the question posted to panelists in a high level discussion held as part of the Geo-East Africa Conference and Expo 2024. RCGW's CEO, Geol. Agnes Mbugua gave her remarks on this where she highlighted the role the Center plays in addressing Kenya's water challenges through research, and capacity building activities. She emphasized on the need for the government to enhance institutional capacity through funding, creating a platform for skills and knowledge sharing and creating the suitable environment to make use of the new and emerging technologies in groundwater exploration, development and management.
-ACE2024, @50

*Fieldwork*
The Regional Centre on Groundwater resources is participating in a 2-week data collection fieldwork in the Lamu delta for the project: GWS-SENCE - GroundWater SuStainable and Equitable development under Constraints of Ecosystem conservation and saltwater intrusion prevention in large deltas. The project which is being implemented in three African countries (Egypt, Kenya and Nigeria) is led by IHE Delft Institute of Water Education’s prof. Yangxiao and Tibor Stigter

GWS- SENSE involves PhD research and seeks to address the connection of groundwater systems to Ecosystem conservation and livelihoods support under a changing climate through the following 4 components;
C1. Partnership and joint learning
C2. Research and advocacy
C3. Education and training
C4. Institutional strengthening

Local implementing partners include; UoN, KEWI, KEMFRI, WRA, RCGW, MoWSI, WRUAs and local leadership. The Centre was represented in the fieldwork by Assistant Director for research and mapping, Geol. Patrick Murunga.

The Ministry of Water Sanitation and Irrigation and Regional Centre on Groundwater Resources (RCGW) was today honored to host the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Project Management Officer Ms. Amal Elrefaei. The PMO is in the Country to assess the ongoing IAEA National Technical Cooperation projects and how IAEA can further partner with Kenya on peaceful application of nuclear science and technology. Ms. Elrefaei. was accompanied by Mr. Stephen Situma from the National Commission of Science Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) which coordinates IAEA Regional Projects and Mr. Edwin Chesire from the Nuclear Power Energy Agency (NUPEA) which is the liaisons office for IAEA projects at the National level

The visit began with a courtesy call to the CS and PS State Department of Water Mr. Julius Korir, CBS then followed by a tour of the Isotope Hydrology lab at RCGW.

RCGW has had a long good standing partnership with the IAEA in projects focusing on the application of isotope hydrology techniques in water resources assessment. Through these projects, significant human resource capacity has been developed for the water sector professionals. Similarly, infrastructural capacity support through donation in kind of equipment has resulted in the establishment and progressive equipping of the fully fledged isotope hydrology laboratory at RCGW.

The Ministry leadership is grateful and committed to continued partnerships with IAEA.

# Isotope Hydrology # Water # MoWSI # Groundwater

In the implementation of the Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Project (HoAGW4R) the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation , the Regional Centre on Groundwater Resources , Water Resources Authority, , Water Sector Trust Fund, , and the beneficiary 5 counties (Turkana, Wajir, Garissa, Marsabit, Mandera) have embarked on comprehensive training on Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) to improve the capacity of the Project Implementation Units (PIUs), Project Coordinators at the counties, decision makers, individuals, organizations, and communities with the necessary knowledge and skills for them to be able to identify, plan, implement, and evaluate their projects goals effectively while adhering to the established ESS guidelines and standards. This training is considered vital in the project to make sure that there is sustainable development, better utilization and management of resources, stakeholders engagement, improved communication, effective implementation and increased overall performance of the project.

The Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Project (HoAGW4R) is a Regional Program with the development objective to increase sustainable access and management of groundwater as a key contribution to strengthen the climate resilience of targeted communities. Three countries, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Republic of Kenya, and the Federal Republic of Somalia, as well as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), are included in phase I of this Program implemented through a Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA). The HoAGW4R is targeted to benefit approx. 1.5 million people living in the rural communities of the five NEDI counties in Kenya.

In order to ensure the sustainability of the project deliverables, the is a crucial partner in the HoAGW4R project with the responsibility of developing and executing the capacity building programmes aimed at fostering knowledge and skill sharing among young professionals, project implementers, and county water department officers in the project area. The RCGW's lead environmental specialists are actively taking part in the ongoing ESS training.

Our Services
Research
We specialize in comprehensive data collection for hydrochemical, hydrological, and hydrogeological assessments. Our expertise extends to regional mapping, the evaluation of groundwater potential, and the detailed characterization of aquifer systems through advanced groundwater research methodologies. Our commitment involves identifying groundwater recharge areas, understanding sources of recharge waters, and implementing Pilot Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) programs.
Training
At RCGW, we are dedicated to fostering professional development by providing specialized training on groundwater resources. Our goal is to enhance the skills of professionals in water-related fields and institutions, contributing to improved groundwater resources management and governance. We proactively identify groundwater training needs among professionals and develop informative courses designed to address these specific requirements.
Public Awareness
RCGW actively engages in capacity-building initiatives and conducts awareness programs focused on groundwater resources. Through educational forums and public awareness campaigns, we strive to empower communities with knowledge about sustainable groundwater practices. Our commitment extends beyond research and training, reaching out to the public to build a shared understanding of the importance of groundwater resources.

Complaint Handling Process at RCGW.....
1. Complaints are received, recorded, and accorded a case reference number to facilitate follow-up. Please note all complaints that are not in writing are recorded in writing by the receiving Officer.
2. The complaint is then directed to the appropriate Officer within the Centre depending on the subject matter of the complaint.
3. All complaints received are acknowledged appropriately within 3 (3) days.
4. Where the complaint cannot be resolved immediately, the customer is informed of the aforementioned timeframe at the time of making their complaint. Customers are informed of the progress of their complaints regularly, especially if there are any delays or changes to what has been agreed upon receipt of the complaint.
5. RCGW does not charge any fee for lodging /receiving and determination of complaints.

Dive into the world of groundwater services with our interactive quizzes💡 Participate now and challenge your understanding of essential topics. Click the link to take the quizzes and share your scores! 📊

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The Geophysics team at Regional Centre on Groundwater Resource (RCGW) on Friday 24/11/2023 concluded a week-long Groundwater Assessment within the Tsavo West and Chyulu Hills National Parks. The Centre has been undertaking and promoting groundwater research using various technologies and equipment to quantify and qualify groundwater resources as well as establishing flow patterns in the area. Some of the technologies employed includes Isotope Hydrology, Electrical Resistivity Tomography, Vertical Electrical Sounding and Electromagnetic surveys among others.

Chyulu Hills is the focus of our research because it is an important ecosystem and Water Tower supporting livelihoods and wide range of biodiversity. The area is characterized by an extensive contact between the Precambrian metamorphic rocks and the overlying recent volcanic rocks (Shetani Lava). Groundwater flow systems are complex because of the presence of volcanic rocks that are too porous to allow surface rivers flows in most sections within the park. Additionally, there is a complex network of caves, volcanic tubes and other structures that influence groundwater flow regimes. Notably, Mzima springs within the area, supplies Mombasa city 15% of its water requirement.

During the fieldwork, the team was joined by 2 visiting scientists from the Institute of Physics of the 2 Infinities (IP2I) of Lyon (CNRS / Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1). The 2 scientists, Professor Jacques Marteau and Dr. Lydia Roos are champions of Muography – a new geophysical technique that employs particle physics to scan geological structures and the nature of materials within them among other applications. The joint team spent time scouting for the most ideal location within Chyulu Hills for future installation of a Muography Detector to enable a high resolution timeseries groundwater assessment.

The World Day of Remembrance of Road Crash victims (WDoR) is day set aside to remember the millions of people killed and injured in road crashes.In commemorating this day on Sunday 19th of November, the Regional Centre on Groundwater Resources demonstrated its commitment to road safety by actively participating.Staff from the Centre joined the rally, raising awareness about the devastating impact of road accidents and the need for collective efforts to prevent them.RCGW extended its advocacy to emphasize the importance of road safety as well as to encourage safe road user behaviour. NTSA KENYA

Professor Jacques Marteau, the deputy director of the Institute of Physics at the university of Lyon and CNRS, France and Dr. Lydia Roos, a particle physicist and visiting Scientist at Kenyatta University visited the Centre on 17th Nov 2023. The two scientists with wide experience in muography demonstrated the parts and instrumentation of their equipment and its applications to the technical staff at the Centre. Muography is an imaging technique based on the detection of naturally produced particles in the atmosphere called muons which proceeds as the X ray imaging does. Today it is widely used in geophysical applications, notably in volcanology or hydrogeology, and it extending to disciplines such as archaeology, civil engineering, or homeland security.

The Centre is charged with the responsibility of promoting groundwater research using various technologies and equipment. To this end, RCGW is partnering with the two scientists and the institutions they represent to assess the suitability of applying particle physics technology to assess groundwater resources in the Chulu Hills area. We hope to eventually “X-Ray” the Chulu Hills in 3D and provide a time-series density map that can be used to infer groundwater resources in the area.