Water in the basin is scarce due to recurrent droughts, over-abstraction of water for domestic and economic activities, climate change, and limited knowledge of surface water and groundwater. Water pollution through increased urbanization, agricultural and industrial activities is also an issue.

A lack of long-term data on water resources in the basin makes it difficult to develop robust hydrological models. In addition, there is a lack of political will to develop and enforce legislation to manage water resources sustainably.

The workshop addressed the pressing issues of water scarcity and climate change in the Ewaso Ng’iro North River Basin. Its specific objectives were to foster discussion on these challenges, identify solutions, take stock of current monitoring activities, pinpoint gaps in knowledge and data, and build a strong network of partners. It was organized by the Wyss Academy for Nature and the Centre for Training and Integrated Research in Arid and Semi-Arid Landscapes (ASAL) Development. The workshop was attended by 52 people from a wide range of organizations, including representatives of community conservancies, the Northern Rangelands Trust, the Isiolo County Executive Committee Environment, the National Environment Management Authority of Laikipia County, the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action from the surrounding counties (Baringo, Isiolo, Laikipia, Marsabit, Samburu), researchers from Kenyan universities, and conservation NGOs.