World Water Day 2025: Preserving Glaciers to Sustain Life

Water is life, and glaciers are one of the planet’s most vital water sources. As Kenya joins the world in marking World Water Day 2025, the theme, "Glacier Preservation," underscores the urgent need to protect these ice reserves from climate change and environmental degradation.

Though Kenya is not traditionally known for vast glaciers, Mount Kenya's glaciers and highland water catchments, including the Aberdare Ranges, are crucial for water supply, agriculture, and energy production. Their melting threatens livelihoods, water security, and ecosystems.

KENAS plays a critical role in preserving these precious water sources by ensuring quality, sustainability, and safety through accreditation. Here’s how accreditation supports glacier preservation:

1. Water Quality Testing & Monitoring

To safeguard Kenya’s water resources, KENAS accredits water testing and calibration laboratories under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Laboratories Scheme.

This ensures:
✔ Accurate testing of glacial meltwater and mountain runoff.
✔ Compliance with safety standards to prevent contamination.
✔ Protection of drinking water sources for millions of Kenyans.

With shrinking glaciers, monitoring water quality becomes even more crucial to detect pollution and ensure clean water availability.

2. Climate Change Mitigation & Carbon Accounting

Climate change is the leading cause of glacial melt, and carbon emissions accelerate this process. Accredited Validation & Verification Bodies (VVBs) under:
✔ ISO 14064:1-2018 (Greenhouse Gas Emissions Accounting)
✔ CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation)

These standards support monitoring, reporting, and reduction of emissions, helping Kenya adapt to climate change and protect glacial-fed water sources.

3. Sustainable Hydropower & Energy Production

Hydropower plants depend on glacial meltwater and highland rivers. KENAS accredits inspection bodies under ISO/IEC 17020:2012 (Inspection Bodies) to ensure:
✔ Safe and efficient operation of hydropower plants.
✔ Sustainability in energy production while minimizing damage to water sources.

This supports Kenya’s clean energy goals while ensuring that power generation does not deplete fragile water reserves.

Melting mountain glaciers and highland water catchment areas crucial for water supply, agriculture, and energy production

4. Protecting Water Sources: Kenya’s Water Works Agencies & Dams

Many of Kenya’s key water reservoirs and dams depend on highland-fed rivers from glaciers and mountain ecosystems.

a. Key Water Works Agencies

✔ Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA): Manages water from the Aberdare Ranges and Mount Kenya.
✔ Tanathi Water Works Development Agency (TAWWDA): Supplies counties like Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, and Kajiado, which rely on mountain-fed water sources.

b. Major Dams Supporting Kenya’s Water Supply

✔ Masinga Dam (Tana River Basin): Receives water from Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Ranges, powering hydroelectric stations and irrigation projects.
✔ Ndakaini Dam (Athi River Basin): A primary source of water for Nairobi, fed by the Aberdare Ranges.
✔ Sasumua Dam (Rift Valley Basin): Supplies Nairobi with water from the Aberdares.

Accreditation ensures safe water management practices, sustainable dam operations, and minimal ecological impact on these critical water sources.

5. Environmental & Ecosystem Protection

Glacial-fed rivers, wetlands, and forests face increasing threats from human activities and climate change. KENAS accredits environmental impact assessment (EIA) bodies under ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management Systems)

This accreditation helps:
✔ Ensure projects comply with conservation policies.
✔ Protect highland ecosystems from deforestation and pollution.
✔ Promote sustainable land use to preserve water catchments.

6. Public Health & Waterborne Disease Prevention

As glaciers shrink, communities face increased risks of waterborne diseases due to contaminated water. KENAS accredits medical laboratories under ISO 15189:2022 for:
✔ Testing for waterborne diseases (e.g., cholera, typhoid).
✔ Ensuring safe drinking water for communities dependent on glacier-fed rivers.

By supporting clean water initiatives, accreditation strengthens Kenya’s healthcare system in preventing outbreaks linked to water pollution.

7. KENAS Engagement in Water Sector Collaboration

As part of its commitment to water security and sustainability, KENAS actively engages with key water sector stakeholders:

• In January 2025, KENAS partnered with the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) and the Water Services Providers Association (WASPA) to host a national water sector workshop. This platform facilitated dialogue on water quality standards, regulatory compliance, and the role of accreditation in enhancing the performance of water utilities and service providers.
• Looking ahead, KENAS is partnering with WASPA for the upcoming Water Conference in June 2025, where it will promote the importance of accreditation in climate-resilient water management, operational efficiency, and ecosystem protection.

Through such partnerships, KENAS is strengthening its role in supporting national water policies and promoting integrated water resource management aligned with global standards.

KENAS’s Commitment to Glacier Preservation & Water Security

Water is essential for survival, and glaciers play a crucial role in sustaining Kenya’s water supply, agriculture, and energy production. KENAS ensures global standards are met by accrediting:
✅ Water testing and monitoring laboratories.
✅ Environmental and climate change verification bodies.
✅ Hydropower and dam inspection agencies.
✅ Medical labs safeguarding public health.

By upholding quality, sustainability, and compliance, KENAS contributes to preserving Kenya’s highland water sources for future generations.

 As we celebrate World Water Day 2025, let’s commit to protecting glaciers and securing clean water for all!