Water is an essential resource for life, yet its sustainability is increasingly threatened by environmental degradation, climate change, and inequitable management practices. To address these challenges, the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) approach offers a transformative mechanism for promoting environmental conservation while ensuring socio-economic equity. By recognizing and compensating the stewards of our ecosystems, PES has the potential to enhance water resource management and support livelihoods in Kenya. These guidelines are a critical step toward actualizing this potential. The guidelines are a culmination of extensive research, stakeholder engagement, and lessons learned from global PES practices, particularly from Costa Rica. They are designed to provide practical and actionable frameworks for integrating gender and social inclusivity into PES schemes, ensuring that no group is left behind in the distribution of ecosystem service benefits.
We are deeply grateful to the Environment for Development (EfD) Initiative for their funding and to all stakeholders who contributed to the development of these guidelines. Their insights and collaboration have enriched this document, making it a robust tool for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers in Kenya's water sector. It is our hope that these guidelines will serve as a roadmap for establishing effective PES schemes that not only conserve our precious water resources but also foster equity, sustainability, and resilience in our communities. Together, let us work toward a future where Kenya’s water ecosystems are protected, and the people who rely on them are empowered.
