Cool Waters Project
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Cool Waters Project
Cool Waters Project
What is this project about?
The Cool Waters Project empowers youth groups along Nairobi’s rivers to lead climate adaptation efforts in their communities. The project is designed to help riverine communities along the targeted sections of the Nairobi River, led by youth, to map potential climate vulnerabilities, design adaptation strategies and implement solutions with a focus on heat and flooding related risks
By equipping young people with technical skills, funding, and advocacy tools, the project strengthens local resilience to heat, flooding, and other climate impacts. The project is running from July 2024 to December 2026. The project is targeting the section of the Nairobi River running from Machakos Bus Station to the Dandora Waterfalls in Dandora Phase 4.
What problem are we solving?
Urban riverine communities in Kenya are on the frontlines of climate change. Over the past decade, they have been disproportionately impacted by extreme heat and frequent flooding—hazards that are increasing in both intensity and frequency. Despite their vulnerability, these communities lack the resources and technical support needed to develop and scale effective local adaptation solutions. Moreover, their voices remain largely unheard in climate policy and urban planning processes, even though they hold valuable knowledge and lived experience. This project aims to change that.
What is our Theory of Change?
IF youth are equipped with the right tools, skills, and platforms, they become powerful agents of transformation. They can reclaim and reimagine neglected public spaces, turning them into aspirational, dignified hubs of community life. These revitalized spaces not only restore a sense of pride and belonging but also serve as launchpads for youth-led enterprises and livelihood opportunities. In doing so, young people affirm their leadership within the community and gain the voice and influence needed to shape local policies that affect their lives.
What do we hope to achieve?
Riverine communities are able to assess and respond to climate threats. We will work with 14 different groups along the targeted sections of the Nairobi River.
Locally implemented solutions that reduce flooding and heat
Collective youth-led advocacy influencing government climate planning
A network of trained youth climate leaders and green entrepreneurs. Three different cohorts totalling 14 youth groups will be trained during the project period
New knowledge on the effectiveness and impact of implementation of different adaptation strategies
What are the Key Activities for 2025?
Climate Adaptation Academy: Youth training on heat, flooding, waste, and nature-based solutions
Youth-Led Hazard Mapping: Mapping flood zones and climate risks
Geo-Spatial Mapping: Detailed analysis of future flood zones and urban heat islands
Community Adaptation Plans: Designed by youth, based on local data and GIS modelling and expert technical review
Micro Grants: Seed funding for mature youth groups to Cohort
Technical Review: Evaluation of the youth-developed solutions
What is the project timeline?
2024: Launch, and project planning and onboarding of CBO partners
2025: first Climate Adaptation Academy, and hazard mapping and disbursements to the first cohort
2026: Large-scale advocacy, evaluation, and policy engagement
Want to Get Involved? We are seeking collaborations with:
If you're passionate about youth and climate action, we could use your help in supporting:
Ensuring the resilience of the rehabilitated spaces
Collecting and documenting impact stories
Training CBOs in organisational development
Partner with us. Contribute your expertise. Champion inclusive cities. we want to hear from you.