Enhancing Water resilience as a nature-based incentive to promote human-wildlife conflicts.
Bora’ana Conservancy Advances Water Security with IKI-GIZ Support
The Bora’ana Community Wildlife Conservancy has taken a major step forward in strengthening water security and climate-resilient livelihoods, thanks to support from the IKI-GIZ Small Grants Program through the Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association (KWCA).
In June 2026, the conservancy completed a technical site assessment of the Bora’ano borehole, laying the foundation for the installation of a reverse osmosis desalination system. This innovative project aims to provide safe, affordable drinking water to the local community while reducing pressure on natural water sources critical for wildlife.
The assessment confirmed the need for a dedicated solar power system to operate the desalination plant, ensuring sustainability and efficiency. A comprehensive Terms of Reference (ToR) was developed and shared widely, with contractor submissions closing on 10th July 2026. Once operational, the system will supply clean water at a cost-recovery rate of KES 20 per 20-litre jerrycan, generating revenue to cover maintenance and operations.
Beyond improving access to clean water, the project is expected to:
Strengthen climate resilience for pastoralist communities.
Support livestock production and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Enhance community goodwill towards conservation by linking tangible benefits to wildlife protection.
This initiative demonstrates how IKI-GIZ and KWCA’s support is enabling conservancies to deliver practical solutions that integrate biodiversity conservation with community development. The Bora’ana Conservancy’s desalination project is poised to become a flagship example of how conservation can directly improve livelihoods while safeguarding ecosystems.