Kenya Resilient Arid Lands Partnership for Integrated Development

The program is guided by the Ending Drought Emergencies Common Program Framework launched by the Government of Kenya in November 2015, which recognizes the importance of sustainable rangeland management, water, and livestock in achieving resilient livelihoods in the ASALs. The program focuses on five Northern Counties with high poverty rates, chronic food and water insecurity, and low access to basic services: Garissa, Isiolo, Marsabit, Turkana, and Wajir. The goal is to increase the average water coverage rate in these counties from 37% to more than 50% by 2020. The program also aims to create a model that can be adapted for use by other counties. Three strategic objectives will guide the program: establishing a responsive and accountable governance framework at the county government level, developing and operationalizing replicable and scalable business models for sustainable WASH and livestock service delivery, and increasing access to sustainable WASH services and improving rangeland management. The program uses a public-private partnership model to combine the assets and experience of development actors, private and public institutions, to address the complex problems created by inadequate water access and poor governance of natural resources in the ASALs. The program rejects the "business-as-usual" approach to development, instead employing a collaborative and co-investor model where all five counties and every partner contribute human capital, financial capital, software, equipment, and other organizational resources to achieve impact. At least $35.5 million will be invested through Kenya RAPID. The program also marks a significant shift in the role of Millennium Water Alliance (MWA) members, which will facilitate a program implemented by county governments for delivery of water and sanitation services under the 2010 Constitution of Kenya. The program areas include Garissa, Isiolo, Marsabit, Turkana, and Wajir, with program goals focused on establishing a responsive and accountable governance framework, developing and operationalizing replicable and scalable business models for sustainable WASH and livestock service delivery, and increasing access to sustainable WASH services and improving rangeland management. The program is coordinated by the Millennium Water Alliance, with partners including government institutions, development partners, private sector partners, and donors such as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Swiss Development Corporation (SDC).