Towards high-quality drinking water for the Kenyan rural and informal settlements population: training and capacity building for water research and on-site treatment

Date
September 2024 to August 2029
Countries
Keywords
water research
drinking water
Institutions
University of Eldoret (Kenya)
Research fields
Agriculture and Food Sciences

The Kenya Vision 2030, the National Water Policy 2021 and the United Nations SDG 6 all aim at improved access to affordable clean drinking water especially for the most vulnerable people. This is, however, greatly impeded by severe pollution of water resources. To contribute to the long-term desired change, this project defines 5 action points: (i) research and educational capacity building with a key role for staff members and postgraduate students as change drivers, (ii) comprehensive monitoring of conventional and emerging water contaminants in Kenya's surface water and boreholes geared towards improved water resources management, (iii) examining levels and risk of antimicrobial resistance posed by environmental occurrence of antibiotics, (iv) a biosorbent-based point-of-use water treatment device making use of upgraded cheap agro-wastes, and (v) engagement of local communities and multiple stakeholders through surveys, individual and group meetings, workshops, and policy briefs.