Mereroni-Mbaruk Wetland Catchment Protection Order, Legal Notice no. 143 of 2024

Kenya Subsidiary Legislation, 2024 2772 LEGAL NOTICE NO. 143 THE WATER ACT (Cap 372) IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by section 22 of the Water Act, the Water Resources Authority makes the following Order— THE MERERONI-MBARUK WETLAND CATCHMENT PROTECTION ORDER, 2024 1. This Order may be cited as the Mereroni-Mbaruk Wetland Catchment Protection Order, 2024. Citation. 2. In this Order, except where the context otherwise requires— “Act” means the Water Act; “association” means a water resources users association registered by the Authority in accordance with the Act; “Authority” means the Water Resources Authority established under section 11 of the Act; “basin area” means the area designated by the Authority as a basin area under section 24 of the Act; “Plan” means the Mereroni-Mbaruk Wetland Catchment Management Plan set out in the Second Schedule; “Protected Area” means the area declared to be a protected area under paragraph 4 and is demarcated for protection and conservation within the Mereroni-Mbaruk Wetland Catchment Management Plan; “riparian reserve” means land in respect of which management obligations are imposed on users or owners by the Authority due to its proximity to the Protected Area; “soil and water conservation plan” means soil and water conservation plan as defined in regulations relating to water resources; and “sub-basin area” means the area designated by the Authority as a basin area under section 24(2) of the Act. Interpretation. Cap. 372. 3. This Order shall apply to the National Government, national government entities, county governments, county government entities and any other person being a user of water resources and the riparian reserve of the Protected Area. Application of the Order. 4. (1) The Mereroni-Mbaruk Wetland Catchment Protection Area is declared to be a protected area for purposes of the Act. (2) The Mereroni-Mbaruk Wetland Catchment Protection Area shall be as per the extent and description set out in the First Schedule and is demarcated for protection and conservation within the Mereroni- Mbaruk Wetland Catchment Management Plan. Declaration of a protected area. Kenya Subsidiary Legislation, 2024 2773 5. (1) The Plan set out in the Second Schedule shall, without prejudice to the provisions of the Regulations made pursuant to the Act, be the basis for protection, conservation and use of the water resources within the Protected Area. Mereroni-Mbaruk Wetland Catchment Management Plan. (2) The Authority shall place signboards and beacons in or near the Protected Area or in appropriate public places frequented by land and water users and at the Authority’s offices; displaying up-to-date information about the condition of the water resources of the Protected Area. (3) The public notices shall contain information regarding the action required of water and land users to conserve and protect the water resources of the Protected Area. 6. A person who contravenes this Order commits an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to the penalty prescribed under section 147 of the Act. Offence. Kenya Subsidiary Legislation, 2024 2774 FIRST SCHEDULE THE MERERONI-MBARUK WETLAND CATCHMENT PROTECTION AREA (p.4) Figure 1: Mereroni-Mbaruk Wetland Catchment Protection Area Kenya Subsidiary Legislation, 2024 2775 SECOND SCHEDULE THE MERERONI-MBARUK WETLAND CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN (p. 2,5(1)) PART I: INTRODUCTION 1.1 Citation This Plan may be cited as the Mereroni-Mbaruk Wetland Catchment Management Plan. 1.2 Acronyms The following acronyms shall have the meanings as assigned below: EMCA Environmental Management and Coordination Act KFS Kenya Forestry Services KPIs Key Performance Indicators KWS Kenya Wildlife Services RVBA Rift Valley Basin Area MoAL Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock RQOs Resource Quality Objectives WRA Water Resource Authority WRUA Water Resource Users Association 1.3 General objectives The general objectives of this Management Plan are to ensure: (a) sustainable management and use of water resources within the sub catchment while promoting equitable sharing of water resources; and (b) the conservation of the catchment area to improve the water quantity and quality. 1.3.1 Specific Objectives The specific objectives of this Management Plan are to: (a) enhance implementation of existing regulations to protect the rights of all users; (b) promote hydrologically and economically efficient water use for both socio-economic and environmental benefits; (c) identify funding sources for implementation of Mereroni-Mbaruk Wetland Catchment Management Plan and conservation programs; and (d) provide framework for undertaking legally acceptable and sustainable activities within the conservation area. Kenya Subsidiary Legislation, 2024 2776 1.4 Background Information In the context of water resources, a catchment area is an area of land from which water naturally flows into a water course. A catchment area provides a natural water storage mechanism or facility. During rainfall, the vegetation cover allows the water ample time to infiltrate through the soil and form sub-surface flow that recharges the rivers, springs and groundwater aquifers. Often, sub-surface flow is a relatively slow process, which explains the existence of permanent (perennial) rivers in various areas. The environmental status and conditions of a catchment influences the quantity and quality as well as sustainability of its water resources; for instance, rivers in a well-maintained catchment often have higher base flows even during the dry season with boreholes in such areas recording good or high yields. However, in poorly maintained and degraded catchments, poor infiltration of rainwater results into rapid surface run-off flowing into the river courses. This often causes flash- floods and large volumes of suspended solids which may aggravate siltation of water infrastructure. Furthermore, rivers in degraded catchment have unsustainable base flows during the dry season, hence prevalence of seasonal rivers. From the foregoing, catchment areas are vital components in water resource management whose protection is imperative. Particularly, vulnerable catchment areas or water resources such as wetlands and those which serve critical purposes such as groundwater recharge areas require more targeted conservation and protection interventions. Such areas need to be formally and legally delineated and protected from encroachment, pollution, overexploitation and destruction to ensure sustainable management, exploitation and ecological integrity. 1.5 Legal and Policy Framework for Catchment and Wetland protection 1.5.1 The Constitution of Kenya, 2010 Article 66 of the Constitution provides that the State may regulate the use of any land, or any interest in or right over any land, in the public interest, or land use planning. Furthermore, Article 69 (1) obligates the state to, interalia, ensure sustainable exploitation, utilization, management and conservation of the environment and natural resources, and equitable sharing of the accruing benefits; encourage public participation in the management, protection and conservation of the environment; and eliminate processes and activities that are likely to endanger the environment. Article 69 (2) on the other hand places responsibility on every person the duty to cooperate with State organs and other persons to protect and conserve the environment and ensure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources. Further, Article 70 provides a legal framework through which any person may seek redress in case of violation of their environmental rights. 1.5.2 The Water Act (Cap. 372) The Water Act provides a framework for the regulation, management and development of water resources, water and sewerage services. The Act establishes the Water Resources Authority (WRA) to regulate the management and use of water resources. The Act defines catchment area as an area that is part of a basin designated as such under the Act. In particular, section 22 and 23 provides for protection of catchment areas and conservation of ground water. Regulations relating to water resources made pursuant to the Act addresses the management and use of water resources Kenya Subsidiary Legislation, 2024 2777 including the manner of identification and protection of vulnerable catchment areas. 1.5.3 The Environmental Management Coordination Act (Cap. 387) The Environmental Management Coordination Act generally provides for sustainable management and exploitation of wetlands. Specifically, section 42 of the EMCA proscribes certain activities from wetlands and empowers the Cabinet Secretary responsible for environment to declare wetlands as protected areas and issue specific orders and standards for sustainable management of wetlands. 1.5.4 The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity. Different countries including Kenya have adopted the SDGs as part of its international obligation, prioritizing the SDG targets as integral part of its development agenda. With regard to water resources, SDG 6 which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all is critical by 2030 in catchment protection agenda. 1.5.5 The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is the international Convention that focuses on development of the wetlands policy. Kenya ratified the Convention in 1990. Since then, six Kenyan wetlands have been listed as wetlands of international importance. The convention provides a framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and prudent use of wetlands and their resources. 1.5.6 National Policies The water and wetland resources management and use is also guided by various policies including: (a) The National Water Policy, 2021 (Sessional Paper No.1 of 2021) which provides a framework for sustainable management and financing of water resources; water harvesting and storage; and for equitable, efficient, and universal access to water supply and reasonable standards of sanitation, for domestic, economic use and ecosystem sustenance. (b) The National Wetlands Conservation and Management Policy, 2014 (Sessional Paper No.12 of 2014) whose goal is to ensure wise use and sustainable management of wetlands in order to enhance sustenance of their ecological and socio-economic functions for the present and future generations of Kenya. PART II: BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON MERERONI-MBARUK WETLAND 2.0 Mereroni-Mbaruk Wetland Mereroni-Mbaruk’ Wetland is beneficial for sustainability of the ecosystem and livelihood of the local community. It contributes significantly to the sustainability of Lake Elementaita which is a declared Ramsar site. The benefits are both direct (goods or products) and indirect (services). The services include water recharge and storage, water purification, carbon sink, ecosystem habitat and Kenya Subsidiary Legislation, 2024 2778 nutrient cycling. From the services, the local community accrue increased water quantity and improved quality, reduced siltation, conserved biodiversity and source of income generation. 2.1 Rationale for Mereroni-Mbaruk Wetland Protection Despite the critical role played by the wetland in sustainability of the ecosystem and the socio-economic benefits derived from it by the local and downstream riparian communities, the rapid increase in population and need for resources have exerted a lot of pressure on the wetland, threating its survival. There is increasing encroachment into the wetland with people settling in sections of the wetland, overgrazing, uncontrolled farming and cutting down trees among other factors. Beside population increase, the rapid degradation of the wetland is driven by high poverty levels, inadequate awareness of the importance of wetland conservation, urbanization, increasing demand for agricultural and lack of clear wetland boundary and land reclamation practices. Consequently, the area has experienced low water levels, pollution of the water resources, reduced biodiversity, unprecedented soil erosion, and reduced soil fertility, hence poor agricultural yields. However, the limited control over the human activities carried out in the wetland has impeded the success of the conservation effort made. To achieve impactful results from the conservation interventions in the area, it is imperative not only to gazette the wetland but also develop its management plan to provide a comprehensive framework within which the conservation interventions can be implemented and desired results achieved, hence this Management Plan. Particularly, identifying the wetland for protection, its gazettement and implementation of the Management Plan will enhance groundwater recharge and ensure sustainable management and exploitation of the wetland for all the communities who depend on it directly or indirectly. Indeed, the need for protection and gazettement of the wetland has been recognized by the local community, the WRUAs and other key stakeholders following consultations. Protection and conservation of Mereroni-Mbaruk wetland will be achieved through the implementation of the following strategies: (a) Creating awareness among the local community on the importance of conserving the wetland. (b) Development of an action plan to protect the catchment and their rehabilitation. (c) Participatory mapping of the protection zones around the wetlands with the community and other stakeholders. (d) Where necessary and legally acceptable, compensate and relocate settlers from the protected zones. (e) Adequate enforcement of the relevant laws for protection of wetlands, riparian and springs. 2.2 Location and size Mereroni-Mbaruk Wetland covers an area of approximately 9.4 acres within Mbaruk location in Gilgil Sub-County, Nakuru County. 2.3 Watershed Area Mereroni-Mbaruk Wetland falls within the Mbaruk-Mereroni Sub-catchment (hydrological code 2FA) which is under the operation of Mereroni-Mbaruk Water Kenya Subsidiary Legislation, 2024 2779 Resources Users Association. It receives much of its waters from the surrounding high grounds, particularly the upper regions. The WRUA has been established although it is yet to develop the Sub-Catchment Management Plan (SCMP) for the area. 2.4 Physiography, climate and rainfall 2.4.1 Physiography The wetland is fed by rainfall and overland flow from the surrounding areas. During the rainy season, most floodwaters from the (higher) upper part drain into the wetland. In addition, Mereroni River which flows from Ndunduri forest crosses along the wetland before draining into Lake Elementaita. 2.4.2 Climate Generally, the area receives an average rainfall of about 1,100 mm to 2,000 mm per annum, with a monthly average of about 40 mm to 180 mm. The long rains start in mid-March through to end of May. The short rains start in around October to around December. Sometimes, dry spell is experienced in the months of January and February. The area is generally warm with the mean temperature of about 15 oC to 20 oC. However, lower temperature of about 11 oC and higher temperatures of about 27 oC can be experienced. 2.4.3 Vegetation The wetland's vegetation comprises of reeds and water grass. However, this is slowly being phased out to accommodate other activities of greater interest to the surrounding community. Furthermore, Eucalyptus (spp) trees have been cultivated in some sections around the wetland. However, due to mixed farming that is practiced in the area, food crops also dot the region. PART III: SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS Mereroni-Mbaruk wetland faces existential threats which needs to be adequately mitigated to ensure its sustainability. This section analyses the current situation of the wetlands with respect to vulnerability, resource quality and threats. 3.1 The vulnerability of the water resource Mereroni-Mbaruk wetland is vulnerable to anthropogenic activities which expose the wetland to rapid degradation. The wetland has no clear demarcated boundary, thus is open to invasion by illegal settlers who consider it as a “wasteland” that is free for occupation. Consequently, people have encroached into the wetland, establishing various structures for their habitation. Furthermore, as pressure for agricultural land increases in the area, the wetland becomes a natural virgin vacant option. As such, sections of the wetland have been turned into farmlands to provide food supply for the local community as well as trading for economic gain. Moreover, indigenous trees have been cleared to make way for farmlands while exotic trees which are perceived to have higher economic value with fast maturity such as Eucalyptus trees have been adopted despite the damage that they cause to the water resources. Growing such tree species in the wetland are likely to cause reduction in groundwater recharge, water table and drying of the surrounding streams and rivers (e.g. River Mereroni) which are fed by tributaries of the wetland. Being an open land, the wetland is vulnerable to overgrazing and overharvesting of Kenya Subsidiary Legislation, 2024 2780 the grass (pasture) particularly during dry period when availability of pasture is limited 3.2 Current water resource status and the Resource Quality Objectives Section 20 of the Water Act mandates the WRA to prescribe criteria for classifying water resources for the purposes of determining Water Resources Quality Objectives (RQOs) for each class of water. The RQOs represent the desired status of the resource, covering all aspects of quantity, quality, timing and aquatic biota and differ for different classes of water resource. Generally, the objectives relate to the extent to which the water body can deviate from its natural state as a consequent of water use impacts. In summary, RQOs provide a “target” optimal water resources condition below which such resources are considered significantly impacted negatively. The RQOs provide clear goals relating to the relevant water resources that can be monitored and thereby give effect to the desired water resource classes in the catchment. Water resources management strategies should be geared towards progressively achieving and sustaining RQOs. The status of the resource is a measure of how far the condition of the resource is from the RQO. Development of RQOs is a multisectoral, consultative and holistic process which takes into consideration the uses and needs of local communities to ensure inclusivity, sustainability and implementation success. The overall goal of water resources management is to protect the natural ecological characteristics for socio- economic development. Key water resources issues include: (a) Water scarcity. (b) Catchment degradation. (c) Subdivision of sections of the wetland for settlement some of whom could have titles. (d) Human activities in Mereroni-Mbaruk wetland affecting its natural functions in the ecosystem. (e) Illegal water abstraction, diversion of the river and draining of the wetland. Sustainable management of Mereroni-Mbaruk wetland will include the cooperation and collaboration of key stakeholders within the wetland including related state departments and agencies, WRUA, community members and other stakeholders. Moreover, recently, WRA developed guidelines for the establishment of RQOs. As it embarks on the implementation of the guidelines, vulnerable catchments areas such as Mereroni-Mbaruk will be given priority for piloting of the RQOs development process. 3.3 The class of the water resource The sub-catchment water demand can be categorized as largely ecological and livelihood. Due to degradation of the wetland, the sub-catchment resource status can be described (classified) as “Alert”. The available water may not be adequate with respect to quantity and quality to meet the demand. Nevertheless, the area receives regular rainfall, thus rainwater harvesting might be of significant complementary source of water in the area. 3.4 Land use types and their impacts on Mereroni-Mbaruk Wetland Various land use activities are undertaken in Mereroni-Mbaruk wetland which impacts it in diverse ways. To ensure protection and conservation of the Kenya Subsidiary Legislation, 2024 2781 wetland, the strategic interventions have to be executed to control the activities and mitigate their impacts. The current status of such activities and impacts are described in the subsequent subparagraphs. 3.4.1 Human settlement Mereroni-Mbaruk wetland lies within a predominantly rural setting where the local economic main activity is agriculture and livestock production. Due to rapid population growth, there is rising demand not only for arable land but also settlement and land subdivision in the area. This also comes with pressure for economic survival, thus uncontrolled and overexploitation of wetland resources including the water resources. The vegetation is cleared to create room for construction of houses day by day. Human settlements come with related demand for sanitary infrastructure which is poor in the area, thus exposing the wetland to pollution from domestic waste. Consequently, the wetland is experiencing threatening degradation which necessitates immediate mitigation measures. 3.4.2 Agriculture and livestock production There is continuous land reclamation in the wetland to create space for subsistence agriculture. Clearing of the vegetation through cutting and burning leaves the area bare, thus exacerbating soil erosion which in turn exposes available water resources and water infrastructures to siltation and flooding downstream. Furthermore, application of pesticides and fertilizer to the farms exposes the water resources to pollution. Additionally, there is Over-abstraction of water from the wetland for irrigation, damming of rivers at the source and diversion which reduces water levels and groundwater aquifer recharge. Poor farming practices which do not take into consideration water and soil conservation practices is a regular practice in the area. Figure 1: Agricultural activities: livestock grazing in the wetland (left) and maize plantation (right) Kenya Subsidiary Legislation, 2024 2782 3.4.3 Exploitation of natural resources In pursuit of economic survival, the local community exploit the natural resources in the wetland to satisfy their economic needs. There is unsustainable grass harvesting for livestock feed, and sand harvesting. These activities catalyze the wetland degradation and jeopardize the conservation effort invested to protect the wetland. 3.4.4 Plantation of exotic plant species Clearing of the indigenous plants species in the wetland has given way for cultivation of exotic tree species (e.g. Eucalyptus spp) which are perceived to be early maturing and of good economic value. However, these exotic tree species are not suitable and unsustainable in riparian zones and wetland as they have been shown to have negative impact on the water resources. Figure 2: Plantation of Eucalyptus trees around the wetland PART IV: MEASURES FOR PROTECTION, CONSERVATION AND REHABILITATION OF THE WETLAND 4.1 Restricted and proscribed activities According to the applicable legal framework, protected areas can be used in a sustainable manner. The activities to be undertaken within the Protected Area are those with zero impact on its ecological status and integrity. Unless specifically approved in writing by the Authority following an application in the specified form, the following activities shall not be undertaken within the Protected Area: (a) Clearing of indigenous trees or vegetation. (b) Building of permanent structures (especially houses). Kenya Subsidiary Legislation, 2024 2783 (c) Disposal of any form of waste. (d) Excavation of soil or development of quarries. (e) Planting of exotic species that may have adverse effect to the water resource. (f) Settlement in section of the wetland that may be declared public land. Parties that intend to do such activities shall seek for approval from the Authority before commencement of the activity. 4.2 Conservation Plan The overall goal of the conservation plan is to attain the long-term environmental sustainability of the catchment for enhanced ecosystem service provision and functioning. Particularly, the plan aims to control water pollution and increase the water quantity, reduce soil erosion and siltation, control encroachment, increase biodiversity, control floods, improve community health, and regulate natural resources exploitation within the wetland. The goal and objectives will be achieved through: (a) Demarcation of the wetland and its riparian zone and fencing it off. (b) Gazettement of the wetland as a protected water catchment area. (c) Compensation (where legally applicable) and relocation of land owners from the catchment area. (d) Enforcement of the Mereroni-Mbaruk Management Plan. (e) Control water resources abstraction from the wetland. Table 1: Activities related to conservation plan Activity Sub-activity Timeframe Estimated Cost (KSh.) Responsible Demarcate the wetland and its riparian zone Undertake cadastral survey of the area and place beacons along the boundary. 1 Month 400,000 WRA, SoK, land owners & Committee Liaise with NLC for Valuation and Compensation of legal before revocation of the Title. 3 Months 500,000 WRA, NLC, land owners Liaise with NLC for the revocation of any privately held title deeds and acquire a title deed (in trust) for the wetland. 6 months 2,000,000 WRA, NLC, land owners Place signs and notices to warn the public that the Wetland is a Protected Area. 1 month 300,000 WRA Carry out a comprehensive baseline assessment of the Mereroni-Mbaruk Wetland 1 month 800,000 WRA Kenya Subsidiary Legislation, 2024 2784 Activity Sub-activity Timeframe Estimated Cost (KSh.) Responsible Gazette the Mereroni- Mbaruk Wetland as a protected water catchment area Create awareness on the importance and status of the of the wetland Continuous 400,000 WRA, stakeholders Develop Management and conservation plan through stakeholders’ engagement. 2024 1,500,000 WRA with all stakeholders Submit gazettement instrument to the Cabinet Secretary in charge of water and Office of the Attorney General. 2024 150,000 WRA Enforce Mereroni- Mbaruk Wetland management Plan Create awareness to stakeholders on the management and conservation plan. 2024 1,000,000 WRA Enforce the Mereroni-Mbaruk Wetland Management Plan and other relevant legislation. Continuous 4,000,000 WRA, NEMA, Nakuru County Government Control water resources abstraction Enforce permit requirements for water abstractions. Continuous 700,000 WRA, WRUA Carryout water abstraction and pollution survey. 800,000 WRA, WRUA Sub Total 12,550,000 4.3 Rehabilitation Plan Rehabilitation of the Wetland is necessary to restore it to its (near) natural (pristine) state. The objective of the rehabilitation plan is to ensure the wetland achieves its optimal ecosystem functioning and service provision. This will be achieved through: (a) Removal of all inappropriate or invasive species of plants. (b) Planting and reforestation of the wetland with water friendly and indigenous tree species. (c) Development of alternative livelihoods to discourage farming within the wetland. (d) Promotion and adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and zero grazing. (e) Development of flood and soil erosion control infrastructure. Kenya Subsidiary Legislation, 2024 2785 Table 2: Activities related to rehabilitation plan Activity Sub-activity Timeframe Estimated Cost (KSh.) Responsible lead Removal of all inappropriate and invasive plants species Exotic plants species control Continuous 500,000 WRA, KFS, WRUA, Committee, Nakuru County government Planting and reforestation of the wetland with water friendly and indigenous tree species Establishment of indigenous trees nursery 2 years 1,200,000 WRUA, WRA, KFS, Nakuru County Government Grow live fence on the boundary of the wetland 3 years 1,500,000 WRA, KFS, WRUA, Committee Planting and growing of propagated seedlings Continuous 2,000,000 WRUA, Committee Development of alternative livelihoods to discourage farming within the wetland Promote adoption of alternative sources of livelihood through training of the local community 3 Year 4,000,000 WRA, WRUA Provide technical assistance for funding proposal development to adopt alternative sources of livelihood Continuous 1,500,000 WRA Promote sustainable agricultural methods and practices Train farmers on best and sustainable agricultural practices and methods 3 years 4,000,000 WRA, MoAL Promote adoption of zero grazing and de-stocking Empowering farmers to adopt zero grazing through training 2 years 2,000,000 WRA, MoAL Develop flood and soil erosion control infrastructure Construct check dams 3 years 3,000,000 WRUA, WRA, KFS, Nakuru County Government Terracing 3 years 2,000,000 WRUA, WRA, KFS, Nakuru County Government Construct gabions 3 years 4,000,000 WRUA, WRA, KFS, Nakuru County Government Sub Total 25,700,000 Kenya Subsidiary Legislation, 2024 2786 4.4 Catchment and Water Resources Monitoring plan Understanding the status of water resources is critical for decision making with respect to sustainable management interventions. Therefore, the objective of the water resources monitoring plan is to provide a clear framework for collection and analysis of catchment and water resources data within Mereroni-Mbaruk wetland. The data include information on water discharge, water quality and catchment health as a response to human activities within the wetland and its environs. Such information would be useful in evaluating the impact and effectiveness of the conservation measures implemented and inform decisions thereof. The water resources monitoring plan will be achieved through: (a) Upgrading of the weather station nearby to a fully telemetric hydro- meteorological station. (b) If feasible, establishing a miscellaneous river gauging station a long River Mereroni to monitor discharge levels. (c) Regular monitoring of water quality of River Mereroni. Table 3: Activities related to catchment and water resources monitoring plan Activity Sub-activity Timeframe Estimated Cost (KSh.) Responsible lead Upgrading of the weather station nearby to a fully telemetric hydro-meteorological station Procurement, installation and operationalization of telemetric stations 1 year 700,000 WRA Regular monitoring of R. Mereroni discharge and water quality Flow measurements and water quality analysis Continuous 300,000 WRUA, WRA Sub Total 1,000,000 4.5 Establishment and operationalization of management structure To realize the objectives of Mereroni-Mbaruk wetland protection and conservation measures presented in this Management Plan, a management structure comprising a management committee will be established (Figure 4). The objective of the management committee will be to ensure that Mereroni-Mbaruk Wetland Catchment Protected Area is managed in a sustainable manner with the involvement of all stakeholders under the leadership and coordination of the Water Resources Authority’s Rift Valley Basin Area. The Management Plan envisage a budget of Ksh. 40.2 million for its implementation in the medium term. This subcomponent will be achieved through: (a) Setting up the management structure with defined ToRs and mandates. (b) Development and implementation of resource mobilization strategies to raise funds for the management and conservation of the Protected Area. Kenya Subsidiary Legislation, 2024 2787 Table 4: Activities related to establishment and operationalization of management structure Activity Sub-activity Timeframe Estimated Cost (KSh.) Responsible lead Setting up the management structure Establishment of management committee 1 year 150,000 WRA Training of management committee 1 year 400,000 WRA Development of resource mobilization strategy 1 year 300,000 WRA, committee Sub Total 850,000 4.5.1 Terms of reference (ToR) and mandate of the Management Committee The terms of References (ToR) of the Committee will include but not limited to: (a) manage the catchment prudently on behalf of other stakeholders; (b) submit quarterly reports to WRA – Athi on all planned and implemented activities; and (c) develop by-laws and submit a copy to WRA – Athi for approval before implementation. 4.5.2 Mandate and responsibilities (a) Promote the conservation and protection of the catchment. (b) Promote equitable distribution of the resource within the catchment. (c) Promote socio-economic and environmental sustainability of the catchment. (d) Mapping of stakeholders and potential donors. (e) Development and marketing of resources mobilization. Strategies. 4.5.3 Source of funds The Committee will be a non-profit and non- commercial venture. Therefore, to realize its objectives and execute its mandate, the Management Committee will be required to solicit for funding from well-wishers and other sources to supplement the income that may be derived from activities permitted in a protected area. The envisaged sources of funds include: (a) Alternative livelihood activities. (b) Tree Nursery. (c) Sponsors and Well-wishers. (d) Development partners. (e) WRA/WRUA - (WDC). Kenya Subsidiary Legislation, 2024 2788 Committee linkages and coordination Figure 4: Reporting Linkages for the Management Committee 4.6 Monitoring and Evaluation To track the implementation progress of this Management Plan, the action plan will therefore be evaluated regularly on the basis of information, data and knowledge generated during its implementation. The matrix which will be used for Monitoring and Evaluation to capture detail of the progress of implementation of the planned activities is presented in Table 5. STAKEHOLDERS WRA MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE COMMUNITY WRUA Kenya Subsidiary Legislation, 2024 2789 Table 5: Monitoring and Evaluation matrix template Activity Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Implementation schedule Completion status (%) Budgeted cost (KSh.) Current total expenditure (KSh.) Source of funds Output Comments Start End Demarcate the wetland and its riparian zone Area surveyed Number of titles deeds evaluated Length of the demarcated area fenced Comprehens ive baseline assessment completed Gazette the Mereroni- Mbaruk wetland as a protected water catchment area Number of awareness creation campaigns held Level of compliance with Management Plan Enforce Mereroni- Mbaruk wetland Management Plan Number of awareness creation campaigns held Level of compliance with Management Plan Control water resources abstraction Number of abstractors with valid permits Water abstraction and pollution survey carried out Made on the 12th August, 2024. MOHAMED M. SHURIE, Chief Executive Officer, Water Resources Authority.