Tool co-design and co-creation workshop Kenya

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) recently spearheaded the first Co-Design and Co-Creation Workshop in Kenya as part of the WaPOR Project. This initiative brought together stakeholders from various organizations, including the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, the National Irrigation Authority, the Water Resources Authority, the County Governments of Laikipia, Samburu, Isiolo, and Meru, Egerton University, the Centre for Training and Integrated Research in ASAL Development (CETRAD), the Netherlands Development Organization in Kenya (SNV), and private players in the water sector.

The primary objective of the workshop was to develop a Water Resource Mapping Tool that would support decision-making processes related to water and land resource mapping in the counties of Laikipia, Samburu, Isiolo, and Meru. The tool aims to enhance agricultural production and improve water productivity in these regions. During the workshop, participants actively engaged in the co-creation process by collectively envisioning the tool's purpose, identifying prevalent challenges in the counties and basins, determining how the tool could assist decision makers, specifying the tool's intended users, and identifying the necessary data sources.

Moreover, the participants collaboratively established key indicators and desired outputs that they hoped to see from the tool. Additionally, the workshop facilitated discussions about the potential interface of the tool and explored potential hosts for its implementation.

Looking ahead, the participating organizations nominated focal points responsible for overseeing the co-development processes. They were entrusted with ensuring the successful realization of the Water Resource Mapping Tool. The workshop concluded with the understanding that the initial version of the tool would be available between December 2023 and February 2024.

The workshop boasted a diverse cohort of 28 participants, comprising representatives from various sectors and organizations. By engaging multiple stakeholders and leveraging their collective expertise, the Co-Design and Co-Creation Workshop paved the way for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to developing the Water Resource Mapping Tool. Through this collaborative effort, the tool aims to provide invaluable support for water and land resource management in the targeted counties, enabling enhanced agricultural productivity and improved water utilization.