By Chemtai Kirui
The 17th Regional Nile Day celebrations, with the theme “Deepening Nile Cooperation: Sustainable Development in a Changing Climate,” will be held on February 22, 2023, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi. The Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), in partnership with the Republic of Kenya, is organizing the event. The celebration aims to increase awareness of the importance of basin-wide Nile Cooperation, jointly taking care of and utilizing shared Nile Basin water, and related resources for mutual benefits.
Kenya’s Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, Dr. Paul Ronoh, announced during a media briefing at a Nairobi hotel on Monday that Kenya is delighted to host the Regional Nile Day once again, having done so in 2016 for the first time. The Nile Council of Ministers (Nile-COM) will convene for an extraordinary session, while ministers in charge of water affairs in the NBI Member States will participate in the event.
The Nile Basin Member States are committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, and the theme for this year’s celebration aligns with this global priority. The event will provide an opportunity for member states to reflect on their commitments, challenges that might hinder their achievement, and opportunities available to improve on achieving them. Eng. Sylvester Matemu, the Executive Director of NBI, provided context for the theme and stated that it is an occasion for members to discuss and take action on the challenges of climate change collectively.
Dr. Ronoh emphasized the significance of the Nile River as a critical water source and the need to protect it. He highlighted how Kenya has benefited from Nile cooperation, which has facilitated the country’s economic development. He also appreciated the establishment of NBI, which manages and develops transboundary water issues in a harmonious manner.
The event will feature an exhibition by various partners showcasing achievements and ongoing works in water and water-related activities, speeches from different dignitaries, traditional cuisine and dance, and the participation of Nile Basin citizens, development partners, researchers, academia, civil society, media, youth, and NBI strategic partners. The celebration provides an opportunity for participants to appreciate the rich and varied cultures in the Nile Basin.