Thwake River which is located in Makueni County has been named as the recipient of the 2021 Thiess International prize.
In a statement seen by Kenyans.co.ke, on Thursday, October 28, the award organizers, the International River Foundation (IRF), stated that Thwake was recognized as the river of the year because of the initiatives that have been undertaken to preserve the water source.
The award organizers went ahead to add that the river had served many community members in Makueni county following various conservation efforts by community members.
"Congratulations to the recipient of the 21st Thiess International Riverprize, Thwake River, Kenya. The Thiess International River prize is one of the world’s most prestigious environmental awards,"
“The award alternates between the International River prize which is awarded every second year and a regional Riverprize bringing recognition to organisations who have achieved remarkable outcomes for rivers, river basins, and their communities," read the statement.
Additionally, the IRF recognized the efforts of the Africa Sand Dam Foundation (ASDF), which has undertaken conservation initiatives along the river. The foundation which was started in 2010 was commended for ensuring access to clean water for Makueni residents.
"Their focus is on water conservation by harvesting and storing within seasonal river channels, through the construction of sand dams. Since its inception, the foundation has operated built 530 sand dams of which 125 are within River Thwake and its tributaries. This enables 795,000 community members to have access to water," read the statement in part.
While receiving the award ASFD executive director, Cornelius Kyalo, could not hide his joy in his acceptance speech, stating the reward would help the organization in implementing its conservation programs.
"We are so lucky to be awarded the very prestigious Theiss International prize for 2021. The prize is an honour to the hard work by rural communities in South East Kenya who tirelessly build sand dam projects, enabling restoration of river systems," Kyalo stated.
Following the award, Kenya becomes the first African country to receive the award twice.
In 2013, Mara River was named as the recipient of the prestigious award, with a community-based group, Mara River Water Users Association, being recognized for their initiatives in conserving the river to combat waterborne diseases.
Theiss International prize award was started in 1999 with the aim of encouraging the sustainable management of the world’s rivers. The 2021 award ceremony took place in Brisbane, Australia.
