March 2024|  News and latest updates

LVBC and KfW Partnership Identifies Strategies for Enhanced Project Efficiency

A mid-term review mission was conducted by KfW with the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC), from February 12th to 16th, 2024 with a view to optimising ongoing IWRM Program implementation (Phase I and II) and discussing the scope of the upcoming Phase 3 as well as the new project “Fostering the Potential of Lake Victoria.”

The review of the ongoing LVB IWMR Programme (Phase I and Phase II) included the following main topics:

  1. workshop on future division of tasks for the continuation of essential services and sustainability of accomplishments supported by IPC.

  2. Demonstration of the WIS and discussion of challenges and opportunities.

  3. Workshop on lessons learnt and developing a concept to increase efficiency and speed of implementation of ongoing and future FC programmes.

  4. Kick-off Meeting for next work stages for HPI Kisumu and site visit.

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Image: Discussions about Lake Victoria’s progress and upcoming projects during a mid-term review mission. ​

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The preparation of the new commitments (top-up of Phase II, Phase III and new project “Fostering the Potential of Lake Victoria” included the following topics:

(i)    Review of Internal Control System for a possible handover of responsibilities for Disposition Fund Management to LVBC.

(ii)   Fostering the Potential of Lake Victoria (EUR 15 million commitment): discussion and agreement on project components and implementation as well as next steps (under consideration of lessons learnt and concept to increase efficiency and speed of implementation).

(iii)  “IWRMP Phase II top-up and Phase III” – new commitment EUR 30 million: discussion and agreement on project components and implementation as well as next steps (under consideration of lessons learnt and concept to increase efficiency and speed of implementation).

The focus was on identifying best practices and highlighting valuable lessons for future endeavors. Simultaneously, the mission discussed gaps that hindered current project progress. This exercise served as a catalyst for developing targeted solutions, enhancing overall efficiency, and expediting project completion. Looking ahead, the team also dedicated efforts to boost future activities, strategically formulating plans to streamline structures and execution methodologies for forthcoming initiatives, ensuring optimal effectiveness.

Productive discussions were held to outline workplans specifically designed to achieve long-term sustainability. A workshop was conducted, featuring a plenary session with representatives from various stakeholder teams, including monitoring and evaluation (M&E), resource management, accounts, project coordination, and implementing partners. Open roundtable discussions facilitated a productive exchange of ideas regarding current challenges and potential opportunities for future projects.

This collaborative effort is expected to yield significant improvements in project execution, optimize resource allocation, and pave the way for the successful implementation of future projects to improve water quality and availability through strategic and sustainable management of the Lake Victoria Basin.