Mara River Water Resource Users Association (MARAWRUA) is an umbrella of water users and associations and part of the larger water users association (WRUAS) .The association is registered as a self-help group with the Narok District department of Culture and Social Services under certificate number 5427 dated 22nd August 2003 and then registered with the Registrar of Society at the Attorney Generals Chambers in July 2006 to gain legal status. The association have a board of 17 members representing various regions in the basin who work on voluntary basis.
Our main objective is to protect and conserve Mara River and its resources. Mara River basin covers an area of 13,500kmsq, and it shared between Kenya 65% and Tanzania 35%. Since its establishment, MWRUA has brought positive impact to the Mara Basin. We have undertaken series of activities including, protection and rehabilitation of water catchment areas, spring protection, and involved community with income generative activities.
MRWUA promotes energy-efficient cooking stoves for households and institutions to reduce firewood use and protect local forests. The initiative involves training local artisans to produce affordable stoves, conducting community training sessions, and raising awareness of the environmental and health benefits. Supported by partnerships with government and environmental organizations, this effort helps reduce deforestation, conserve the Mara Basin, and improve livelihoods through sustainable energy solutions
River Health assessment is a community based tool to assess the ecological health of the rivers. we conducts regular River Health Assessments to monitor water quality, biodiversity, sediment levels, and pollution sources in the Mara River. Through community involvement and data-driven analysis, we develop targeted conservation actions to protect and restore the river ecosystem, ensuring long-term sustainability.
To access our dashboard : MARA River Health Assessment (RHA) Monitoring Dashboard (wwfkenya.org)
At our organization, we are dedicated to protecting natural springs, which serve as vital sources of clean water for many communities. To achieve this, we take a multi-faceted approach that includes the installation of strong and durable fences to safeguard these precious resources from potential threats and contamination. Additionally, we construct carefully designed spring boxes that facilitate easy and safe access to clean water for local populations. Furthermore, we engage and mobilize communities to foster a sense of stewardship and responsibility, ensuring the sustainable management of these essential water sources for generations to come. Through these efforts, we aim not only to preserve the integrity of natural springs but also to empower communities to thrive in harmony with their environment.
The MRWUA is dedicated to conducting a variety of community workshops, engaging school programs, and impactful media campaigns aimed at educating the public and raising awareness about sustainable water resource management. Through these initiatives, we focus on promoting effective conservation practices and highlighting the numerous benefits associated with the use of improved cooking stoves, which cater to both households and institutions. Our goal is to empower individuals and organizations alike with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about water usage and energy efficiency, ultimately leading to a more sustainable future for our communities.
Water resource management in the Mara Basin is entering a transformative era. Under the BRIDGE (Building River Dialogue and Governance) program supported by IUCN, MARA WRUA hosted grassroots dialogue sessions under the banner: "THE FACE FOR CHANGE: Inclusive Water Governance for Sustainability in Mara Basin."
While women and youth are the primary managers and users of water at the household and community levels, their representation in formal decision-making bodies has historically faced socio-cultural and structural hurdles. The Face for Change initiative directly addresses this gap by creating dedicated spaces for community members to convene, share experiences, and step into executive leadership within Water Resource Users Associations (WRUAs)
Over the past decade, the Mara River Water Resource Users Association has made remarkable progress and achieved significant milestones in various areas. Some of the key achievements include:
Acquisition of 3.2 Acres of Land
MRWUA has enhanced tree cover for over 1,000 households and planted 50,000 bamboo trees along riparian areas.
Development of a functional constitution, a Memorandum of Understanding, and a five-year strategic plan (2021-2025).
Kicking off the much-anticipated annual Mara Day celebration
A well-established governing body that operates from its own dedicated office space.
Attracting funding from various donors, such as a five-year grant from SIDA through WWF Kenya and five-year support from MAMASE and WADA.
Winner of prestigious THIGS awards in 2013 and the Equator Prize awarded by UNDP in 2010.
Developed a comprehensive River Health Assessment scorecard specifically designed for the Mara River.