Coca-Cola invests US$1.65M to restore key watersheds in Nairobi, surrounding communities 

KENYA – The Coca-Cola system in Kenya has announced a US$1.65 million investment to restore critical watersheds in Nairobi and nearby communities.  

The project will focus on the Upper-Tana and Mid-Galana basins, introducing agroforestry systems to support Nairobi’s primary water reservoirs and improve rainwater harvesting in groundwater recharge zones for Mzima Springs. 

Implemented in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and community-based organizations, the initiative aims to replenish water supplies, restore riparian zones by planting thousands of indigenous trees, and enhance water quality.  

It also seeks to promote sustainable land management practices by rehabilitating degraded farmlands and rangelands, constructing hundreds of farm ponds, and planting fruit orchards to improve food security and create alternative livelihoods. 

This program forms part of the broader Africa Water Stewardship Initiative launched by the Coca-Cola Africa Operating Unit in partnership with its authorized bottlers—Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company (ECCBC), and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (HBC).  

The Africa-wide initiative represents nearly US$25 million in commitments to address water challenges across 20 countries by 2030. 

The initiative will be coordinated by the Global Water Challenge (GWC) and implemented with partners such as TNC, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). 

“As we face growing global water insecurity, with demand exceeding supply in many regions, including Africa, Coca-Cola is committed to accelerating efforts to address water stress, protect local resources, and strengthen community climate resilience,” said Alfred Olajide, Vice President of Franchise Operations, East and Central Africa at Coca-Cola Central, East and West Africa Limited. 

James Bowmaker, General Manager of Coca-Cola Beverages Kenya (CCBK), highlighted the company’s duty to safeguard water resources in its operating regions. 

TNC Kenya Country Director Ruth Masha emphasized the importance of collaboration with grassroots partners such as the Upper Tana-Nairobi Water Fund Trust, Green Generation Initiative, and Jumuiya Water Fund in ensuring sustainable water management. 

CCBA, Coca-Cola’s largest bottler in Africa and the eighth largest globally by revenue, accounts for more than 40 percent of the company’s ready-to-drink beverages sold on the continent. 

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