The national and county government agencies face challenges to enhance water services for the more than 18,000 households in Isiolo, a county covering 25,700 square kilometres in northern Kenya. But at the ward level, communities are already improving their access to water through a Climate Adaptation Fund. Through an action research initiative, the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) and IIED are exploring options for valuation of these community-driven adaptations. This should help communities, decision makers and donors to prioritise their ongoing investments.