East African Community (EAC) Partner States have endorsed the allocation of €15 million (KES 2.2 billion) from the Government of Federal Republic of Germany, through the KfW Development Bank, to support pollution control and promote nature-based solution initiatives across the Lake Victoria Basin, through the “Fostering the Potential of Lake Victoria Project”.
The resolution was adopted during the First Extraordinary Sectoral Council of Ministers for the Lake Victoria Basin, held in Kisumu, Republic of Kenya, from 6th to 8th October 2025.
The ministerial session was chaired by Hon. Dr. Caroline Karugu, Principal Secretary, State Department for East African Community Affairs, Republic of Kenya, on behalf of Hon. Beatrice Askul, Cabinet Secretary for East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands, and Regional Development, Republic of Kenya, and Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers.
The Sectoral Council approved the utilization of the €15 million for implementation of measures aimed at reducing pollution, enhancing the capacity and knowledge of EAC Partner States on nature-based solution approaches, and promoting green infrastructure within the Lake Victoria Basin.
Dr. Karugu stated,“I am pleased to announce that, after successful deliberations, the Council of Ministers for the Lake Victoria Basin has jointly agreed on the allocation of these funds. This will go a long way in curbing pollution and promoting hygiene within the greater Lake Victoria Basin.”
Hon. Alfred Okidi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water and Environment, Republic of Uganda—representing the Minister for Water and Environment—emphasized the importance of regional integration in environmental management.
“Lake Victoria binds us, sustains us, and reminds us of our shared destiny. This project strengthens our collective management of water as a vital resource. Protecting it requires united action, and this meeting has clearly demonstrated that spirit,” he said.
Hon. Okidi further urged citizens across the basin to support pollution control efforts by embracing environmentally friendly practices and safeguarding water resources for future generations.
Dr. Masinde Bwire, Executive Secretary of the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC), commended the Partner States for their decisive leadership, describing the resolutions as a new chapter in regional cooperation.
“Pollution remains one of the greatest threats to the Lake’s survival. By allocating these funds to combat it, the Partner States have taken a bold step towards reversing years of environmental degradation,” he said.
The Fostering the Potential of Lake Victoria (FPLV) Project will comprise three core components on: (i) Enhancing Knowledge Management on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in all eight EAC Partner States; (ii) Investments in Infrastructure Measures; and (iii) Regional Project Coordination. It will run officially from November 2025 and close in December 2030.