ICRC and KEWI Partner to Strengthen Water Management in Somalia
BY. Pius Kimani
Dhusamareb, the bustling capital of Galmudug State in central Somalia, is undergoing a powerful transformation. Once defined by the turbulence of civil conflict, the city of nearly 500,000 people is now emerging as a hub of resilience, renewal, and development. At the heart of this change lies a crucial sector—water management. Recognizing the fundamental role of safe and sustainable water in driving urban growth, the Federal Government of Somalia, through its Department of Water under the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, has taken bold steps to safeguard public health and strengthen service delivery.
These steps include modernizing water supply systems, improving water quality monitoring, and investing in conservation and reuse technologies. Together, these measures are laying the foundation for a healthier population and stronger local economy, firmly aligning Dhusamareb with Somalia’s national transformation agenda.
A centerpiece of this effort is a groundbreaking training program facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and delivered by the Kenya Water Institute (KEWI). Five staff members from the Department of Water are currently undergoing specialized training in Water Quality Management, a critical milestone in preparing for the establishment of Dhusamareb’s first Water Quality Laboratory.
The training is both technical and strategic, covering three pillars of water safety: microbial testing, water quality standards and monitoring, and laboratory management with instrumentation and evaluation. These components are designed not only to address current challenges but also to equip the team with long-term problem-solving capacity. Once operational, the laboratory will serve as a cornerstone of public health, ensuring that water used by residents meets international safety standards.
But the initiative goes beyond technical training. It represents a model of technology transfer and sustainability. Through a Training of Trainers (ToT) approach, KEWI’s Short Courses Development Department is equipping Somali water professionals with the skills to train others, ensuring continuity and expanding impact. This knowledge cascade will enable future generations of water professionals in Somalia to manage, monitor, and sustain water systems without over-reliance on external expertise.
The dynamic collaboration between KEWI and the ICRC underscores the importance of regional partnerships in addressing shared challenges. KEWI brings decades of expertise in water training, research, and innovation, while the ICRC provides the facilitation and support to bridge institutional capacity gaps in conflict-affected regions. Together, they are not just delivering a training program; they are enabling a city—and a country—to build resilience.
For Dhusamareb, this effort signals more than just a technical achievement. It is a promise of safer water, healthier families, and sustainable growth. It is also a message of hope—proof that even after decades of hardship, communities can reclaim their future through collaboration, knowledge, and determination. As the Water Quality Laboratory takes shape, Dhusamareb is positioning itself as a beacon of resilience, an example of how strong partnerships can turn adversity into opportunity.