Launch of IWRM-Programme by stakeholders, February 2020, Kisumu, Republic of Kenya
The development of the Communication and Visibility Strategy for the Lake Victoria Basin Integrated Water Resources Management Programme (LVB-IWRMP) of Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) started on 15th July 2020.
The process was kick-started by introduction of the lead consultant from SWECO, Johan Verheyden and highlighting how the communication strategy would facilitate effective coordination and implementation of the LVB-IWRM at regional and national level respectively.
Co-funded by the Federal Government of Germany through KfW Development Bank and the European Union (EU), the LVB-IWRM Programme is aimed at improving water quality and availability in Lake Victoria Basin. It is being implemented in Kisumu (Kenya), Kampala (Uganda), Mwanza (Tanzania) and Kigali (Rwanda).
Opening the meeting, Arsène Mukubwa stressed the importance of aligning the LVB-IWRMP Communication strategy to programme objectives and operating context of project sites within the EAC countries. Such endeavor will enable the strategy facilitate the realization of the programme objectives and satisfying stakeholder’s needs and interests.
Specifically, key areas where the Strategy could add value is creating awareness to different audiences (stakeholders) and stimulating ownership of the High Priority Investments (HPIs)—the central component of the LVB-IWRMP to be implemented in the four named countries. HPIs aim at contributing towards improvement of sanitation, water quality and promoting climate resilience in Lake Victoria Basin.
Dr. Willy Mugenzi stressed the need to make the LVB-IWRM Communication and Visibility Strategy audience-centered and building on lessons learned from regional communication interventions through programmatic interventions coordinated by LVBC. LVBC has gained valuable knowledge from coordination of several programmes and projects geared towards responding to environmental challenges within Lake Victoria Basin.
Johan Verheyden, the Communication Consultant pointed out whereas the development of the strategy will integrate the principle of stakeholders consultation, there is need to act with urgency to effectively fast-track delivery of key outputs; the communication strategy, the communication plan and communication and visibility products.
The meeting was attended by Mr. Arsène Mukubwa , Regional Programme Coordinator, Cees Vulto Programme Management Advisor, Johan Verheyden, the Communication Consultant and Dr. Willy Mugenzi, the Regional Communications and Development Awareness Officer of LVBC. Participants resolved to fast-track the communication and visibility strategy development and respecting COVID-19 measures put in place by World Health Organization and EAC Partner States. LVB-IWRMP was officially launched in February 2020 in Kisumu, Kenya.
