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Category: ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENTS

  • World animal day 2023- Value of companionship

    World animal day 2023- Value of companionship

    Marianne Steele, The Donkey Sanctuary CEO in Kenya.
    Marianne Steele, The Donkey Sanctuary CEO in Kenya.

    By Steve Sabai.

    The relationship between donkeys and humans stretches back over millennia. Together we have built civilizations and together we have seen them fall. Side-by-side, donkeys, and humans have fetched water, tilled fields, and endured war, famine, and drought. When natural disasters occur, donkeys guide us through treacherous conditions, providing relief in hostile environments. We are co-workers, partners, companions.

    World Animal Day is an opportunity to recognize the incredible ways animals, great and small, enhance and enrich our lives.

    The emotional connection between humans and dogs is widely recognized and researched. Their ability to relate means that even in service, they are appreciated beyond their value as a working animal. Around the world, donkeys fulfill a similar role, somewhere between service and companionship. It is a relationship born of utility, but it is their character and essence that makes it much more than that.

    As an international donkey welfare charity, we are interested in this relationship from the donkey’s perspective, and how the bond we share can influence their welfare and status in the world. Understanding this is at the heart of some of our recent research.

    Donkeys are curious, intelligent, and sensitive creatures. Their limbic system is similar to our own, giving them the capacity to feel a wide range of emotions, just as we do. It is this sense of empathy and loyalty that makes them such valued and trusted companions.

    This summer, research we helped to fund into the bond between humans and donkeys was published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science. The findings showed that across countries and cultures, equids whose owners believed in their capacity to feel emotion were in significantly better health than those whose owners did not. Similarly, in previous research, we found that the donkeys working in India’s brick kilns whose owners used compassionate language toward them had slightly better welfare. In other words, the stronger the emotional bond between a donkey and a human, the better the welfare of that animal.

    This research adds scientific weight to what we have been saying for over 50 years – donkeys are sensitive and intelligent individuals who deserve our kindness and respect.

    However, the authors caution against making assumptions about owners who did not report an emotional connection and whose animals were in poorer health. The research did not explore if they held back from acknowledging their donkeys’ feelings – not because they are unkind – but because they simply do not have the resources to provide better welfare.

    Our mission is to improve the lives of donkeys and mules, every day. The work we do with Action Aid in Ghana and Women and Land Zimbabwe is driven by the symbiotic principle that if we give people the tools and resources to improve the welfare of their donkeys – our priority – their donkeys will be healthier, live longer, and be better able to support their community. This highlights the interconnection between animal welfare and human well-being–what is good for donkeys, is good for humans too.

    A second peer-reviewed paper published in the journal Society & Animals explores this connection within communities in central Ethiopia. Here both women and donkeys are marginalised, their work undervalued, and ownership of a donkey can be the difference between modest survival and destitution. However, the bond between these women and their donkeys is much more than utility – one woman described her donkey as a member of my family, and another as ‘my friend’. Supporting these women through education and welfare interventions will not only improve the lives of both women and donkeys, it can elevate their status too, by highlighting the value they bring to their communities and wider society.

    Research and experience give us confidence that our focus on a single species, the donkey, can effect wider, positive change for their communities and the places.

  • Kenya to Push for sustainable tourism practices

    The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage is partnering with county governments to unveil and market hidden gems unique to them.

    Cabinet Secretary for Tourism Wildlife and Heritage while announcing that Embu County would play host to the 2023 World Tourism Day national celebrations said that counties have a big role to play in product development as well as enhancing opportunities for tourism business to thrive. Other World Tourism Day celebrations are hosted by respective countries.

    “This year the world will be hosting World Tourism Day under the global theme of Tourism and Green Investment. Against the backdrop of the just concluded Africa Climate Summit, our goal is to promote sustainable practices and to provide opportunities for investment in the sector. We shall be celebrating the 2023 World Tourism Day in Embu County between the 21st-27th September as part of the global event to be held on the 27th -28th of September in Riyadh Saudi Arabia” Said CS Malonza.

    The CS added “The World Tourism Day is an occasion for us to celebrate our successes and address challenges as we continue to implement our development agenda for a holistic tourism recovery that integrates environmental conservation. We shall be promoting tourism within our counties and working together with the devolved units to showcase sustainable practices as well as the tourism opportunities within them,” Malonza said.

    World Tourism Day (WTD) is an annual event celebrated on the 27th of September around the world. Originally set up by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 1980, it seeks to raise awareness of the role of tourism within the international community and to demonstrate how it affects social, cultural, political, and economic values worldwide.

    This year’s celebrations will be held in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a call to action to the international community, governments, multilateral financial institutions, development partners, and private sector investors to unite around a new tourism investment strategy.

    On his part, Kenya Tourism Board Ag, CEO John Chirchir stated: “We are thrilled about hosting the World Tourism Day Celebrations in Embu, which is known for its vibrant culture and numerous attractions that include the iconic Mount Kenya. We also look forward to using the platform to promote domestic travel and enhance awareness of the unique destinations and experiences available in our countries. This year’s theme encourages us to focus on the power of tourism as a driver for green investment by all stakeholders and we have lined up a series of events that will highlight this.”

    The 2023 World Tourism Day celebration comes after the recent Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi where several heads of states and delegates called for increased investments in sustainable tourism as a key driver towards achieving green growth and development objectives.

    Kenya has been at the forefront of integrating sustainability in tourism operations and practices, with various initiatives being rolled out to integrate local communities in tourism activities through enhanced stakeholder engagement by both private sector players and government agencies.

    Last year, Kenya was among eight countries picked by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for its Covid-19 crisis response program aimed at supporting tourism recovery around World Heritage Sites.

  • NEMA Leads a National Clean Up

    The National Environment Management Authority under the wise leadership of Managing Director Mamo Boru Mamo on Saturday led a global clean up in an auspicious occasion in Nanyuki.

    “Am glad that Kenya is taking the lead in matters of waste management and NEMA is working very closely with various partners to ensure a clean and safe environment for all. NEMA has just started implementing the Sustainable Waste Management Act 2022. This initiative calls for a Green revolution in Kenya while embracing responsible behavior and Extended Producer Responsibility.

    The rallying call here is; Take responsibility, Think Green, and Think Circularity. Your responsibility as a producer goes beyond the product life, you must mitigate pollution think Green by minimizing environmental impacts, and embrace circularity by ensuring that your product does not end up in the environment but remains in the value chain for a long time.

    At the event, Nema Kenya Chairman, Emilio Mugo was represented by Sophia Matura, Vice Chairperson at WorldCleanupDay2023 in Nanyuki, Laikipia County.

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    Over the weekend, the Senate Committee on Delegated Legislation, led by Tharaka-Nithi Senator Mwenda Gataya Mo Fire, convened a two-day consultative meeting in Mombasa County.
    The committee engaged with members of the Taskforce on the Development of the Public Finance Management (Disaster Risk Management Fund) Regulations, 2023, led by The National Treasury Planning PS, Chris Kiptoo. The primary agenda was to deliberate on the Proposed Public Finance Management (Disaster Risk Management Fund) Regulations, 2023.
    The Disaster Risk Management Fund (DRM) is a critical initiative aimed at bolstering Kenya’s preparedness and response to natural and man-made disasters. Kenya has, in recent years, grappled with severe droughts, floods, landslides, terrorism, and other calamities, resulting in loss of lives, displacement of people, property destruction, and long-term negative repercussions. This fund holds the potential to provide timely aid and support to disaster victims, alleviating human suffering and ultimately saving lives.
    Senator Gataya highlighted the Senate’s pivotal role in shaping legislation.
    He stressed, “As members of the Senate Delegated Legislation Committee, we are tasked with ensuring that proposed Regulations adhere to principles of transparency, accountability, and equity. We must scrutinize these Regulations in-depth to ensure they serve their intended purpose without compromising these fundamental principles.”
    Senator Gataya emphasized the committee’s mandate, stating, “The Senate Select Committee on Delegated Legislation is established under Standing Order No. 195(1). Its core responsibility is to scrutinize instruments submitted to the House to ensure alignment with the Constitution of Kenya, the Statutory Instruments Act 2013, and all other relevant laws, rules, and regulations.”
    The rising frequency and severity of natural disasters, coupled with their substantial economic impacts, have underscored the urgency of disaster risk financing. Currently, Kenya’s response to disasters has been primarily reactive and short-term due to deficiencies in legal and institutional frameworks, as well as inadequate investment in risk reduction strategies.
    To address these shortcomings, the government has established policy, legal, and institutional frameworks for disaster risk management. The National Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Policy, one such framework, seeks to create a disaster-resilient nation through a robust disaster risk management system that safeguards Kenya’s national development achievements.
    PS Chris Kiptoo, represented by Mr. Michael Kageka, acknowledged the Senate’s vital role in examining proposed regulations. “This long-anticipated meeting enables the Senate to ensure that the proposed regulations meet legislative requirements,” he remarked. “These regulations aim to establish a legislative framework for disaster risk management, enhance effective coordination of disaster preparedness, prevention, response, mitigation, and recovery, and reduce disaster risks and vulnerabilities at the national and county levels.”
    The introduction of a dedicated ex-ante financial mechanism will bolster Kenya’s ability to respond to disasters and mitigate their catastrophic physical and economic consequences. This mechanism will aggregate funds from various sources and bridge the funding gap.
    Senator Gataya was joined at the meeting by Senators Mohamed Faki, Daniel Maanzo, Betty Montet, and Julius Murgor.

  • Youth Decry Foul Play and Discrimination in Counties Devolved Functions

    Youth in Innovation initiatives in Nairobi County

    By Henry Owino

    Kenya is marking the tenth year of its devolution in place since 2013 when the first regime came into power. This was 3 years after promulgation of the Constitution 2010 thereby terminating the 1963 Constitution of centralized government.

    The County Governments are convening in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County to mark 10 years of devolution existence. The Council of Governors (CoG) are therefore holding the 8th Devolution Conference 2023 from 15th-19th August, 2023.

    The Council of Governors has successfully organized Seven Devolution Conferences across various thematic areas. This will be the First Biennial Devolution Conference after it was reviewed to have it held after every two years.

    While everybody admits that devolution has brought decision-making closer to the people, the young people are of different opinions. The argument is that they have been relegated and completely forgotten in counties activities and programs.

    Youth are up in arms complaining of discrimination regardless of their skills, knowledge and technical know-how. None want to listen to youth imperative efforts of advancing collective inclusion in county initiatives.

    The young people now want their voices be heard in this year’s Biennial Devolution Conference in Uasin Gishu County. They are sending representatives to meeting to echo their grievances which have fallen into deaf years for long.

    According to Mary Wanjiru, Coordinator Activista, many youth have tried to make devolution work for them through innovative skills but always get disappointed. A few are used to market the county programs then short changed when funds are available.

    Wanjiru urges the county government to include youth in devolution processes if they endeavor prosper just like a few have done. This is because other counties have realized young people are noble and pragmatic necessity for fostering resilient communities when in included decision-making.

    “Youth constitute significant portion of our population and are key stakeholders in the future development of our counties,” Wanjiru argued. Their active involvement ensures that policies and projects are relevant, responsive, and reflective of the needs of all citizens,” she affirmed.

    Wanjiru emphasized that Kenyans are aware that Constitution 2010 envisioned decentralized decision-making, resource allocation, and uniform development in every part of Kenya. True to the spirit, devolution has brought decision-making closer to the people and has proven, in some counties, the potential to address localized challenges effectively.

    However, for devolution to succeed in its objectives, it is imperative to include the perspectives and aspirations of young people. This is because youth are so creative and innovative and when their skills are tapped, it becomes catalyst of empowerment for county developments.

    Subsequently, Wanjiru cautions that approach must align with the broader goals of long term, sustainable development and economic growth. By so doing, it provides youth with tools to actively participate in shaping their communities.

    Victoria Adhiambo, Coordinator, Young Urban Women underscored the significance of nurturing the skills youth have to benefit counties. It is important to recognize the skills as indispensable expertise for their roles are not only for county developments but global progress as well.

    Adhiambo hinted that this year Devolution Conference’s Theme is; “10 years of Devolution: the Present and Future,” resonates deeply well with the potential and significance of the youth, who embody both the present and future of this great nation called Kenya.

    “The engagement and empowerment of our youth population are pivotal not only for the success of devolution initiatives but also for overall growth and sustainability of our communities,” Adhiambo stated.

    Majority of youth leadership during the meeting unanimously resolved that it is high time counties infuse youth in their initiatives. It is best way of elevating the young people’s banner of skills towards development.

    The leaders suggested that county governments can use their influential position to connect youth with agencies for partnership. It will help youth mold their destinies and actively contribute to regions’ growth.

    “Some of our recommendation here can be implemented comprehensively without further delay, fostering an environment wherein our youth will evolve from being passive beneficiaries to engaged architects of devolution,” anticipated Kevin Kiogora, Youth & Community leader for Good Governance and Climate Action champion.

    The other recommended initiatives listed by the young people include; Community engagement where workshops are organized, involving youth in town hall meetings, and youth-led forums that facilitate open dialogue between young people and local authorities. Such platforms would encourage youth to voice their opinions, propose ideas, and actively contribute to the decision-making processes of the county thus meaningful public participation.

    Entrepreneurial support through establishing mentorship, incubation, and support networks for young entrepreneurs. They said it will encourage innovation, job creation, and economic diversification at the grassroots level.

    Promote digital literacy among youth to enable them harness technology for personal and community development. Digital skills are essential for communication, accessing information, and participating in an increasingly digital world.

    Encourage skills training programs through collaboration with educational institutions, vocational training centers, and industry partners to design and implement skills training programs that equip young people with practical, market relevant skills.

    The youth however suggested that the programs should encompass a diverse range of fields, from technology and entrepreneurship to agriculture and healthcare.

    “We put emphasis on Green skills because it requires; knowledge, abilities, values, and attitudes needed to live in, develop and support a sustainable and resource-efficient society,” Kiogora explained. These skills will not only help in addressing the climate crisis but also in helping achieve SDGs,” he added.

    The youth who excel in various initiatives should be recognized and celebrated for their achievement and significant contribution to their communities as young individuals, team or organizations. Again, such youth achievements need to be encouraged by letting their representation in local councils, committees, and decision-making bodies in the counties or in national conferences.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Teleposta pensioners appeal for president to help them from auctioneers

    Members of Teleposta pension scheme are living in fear of being evicted from their houses that they have lived in for over 25 years.

    The members say that some of them were given offer letters to buy the houses at reasonable prices then but the pension scheme has increased the prices to a point that they cannot afford.

    Through an auctioneer the members say that they were given a notice of 3 months since March to vacate the houses now the auctioneer is threatening to evict them from the houses.

    Barnabas Munga a member of the pension scheme says that those who had received the offer letters were instructed to pay a 10% of the buying price and a grace period of 3 months to complete the paying.

    The members say that it is improper to for such payment plan they decried the conditions asking for a mortgage but they could not be given that offer. They now want the Teleposta pension scheme to offer all the more that 120 members offer letters to purchase the houses with the initial price not the inflated prices that they are giving now.they want the president to now to come to their rescue in the hands of cartels who want to take advantage who want them to vacate for their personal benefits

    According to the CS of Education Ezekiel transferring a child to another school in public school due to the education system of Kenya now is a nother big problem to the residents ,being their children are all in public schools, so telling them to vacate will not only affects them but also affects the Education of the children’s.

  • Mamo Appears Before Senate Lands Committee

    The Director General of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Mamo Boru Mamo on Thursday appeared before the senate committee on lands.

    Mr. Mamo Boru in his response on actions taken my NEMA to ensure sustained enforcement of law and regulations pertaining to sand harvesting in Machakos and Kitui a statement sought by Nominated Senator Hon. Tabitha Mutinda on the utilisationand use of sand in Kitui, affirmed to the Committee that, NEMA and County Government conduct regular inspections to minimize illegal sand harvesting.

    Mamo reported that the Authority has undertaken approximately 47 inspections in Machakos County and 35 inspections in Kitui County some of which have been on sand harvesting within the Counties.

    ‘’The Authority have been imposing punitive fines and penalties on offenders in law, restriction of sand harvesting and transportation working hours to daytime only (6am to 6pm) and promotion of construction of gabions and sand dams along the threatened river beds where sand harvesting is practiced sponsored by African Sand Foundation (NGO).’’ DG NEMA added.

    During the committee the Legislators recommend that the two Governors work hand in hand with National Environmental Management Authority, to ensure this menace of Sand harvesting is reduced in both Counties for the benefits of the residents and safe Environment.

    Director Mamo said that the reason as to why their is heavy harvest of sand is due to the government is on with the construction of affordable houses.

    Other Senators in attendance were, Vice Chair Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe Ltumbesi, Sen. Johnes Mwaruma, Sen. Beatrice Ogolla, Sen. Agnes Kavindu, Sen. William Cheptumo and Sen. Mariam Omar. Senator Tabitha Mutinda who sought the Statement and Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua attended.

  • “We’re understaffed, give us budget to deliver our mandate” DG NEMA Mamo maintains

    “We’re understaffed, give us budget to deliver our mandate” DG NEMA Mamo maintains

    The national assembly committee on public petitions has been frequently holding public hearing across the Ukambani region has recommended suspension of National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) director general Mamo Boru Mamo over failure to address River Athi pollution.

    The committee led by Kitui East MP Nimrod Mbai made the conclusion after visiting the polluted river downstream at Mwala, in public hearing exercise following a petition by residents through area legislator Vincent Musyoka.

    “We have seen the situation upstream from the polluters and now downstream to the consumers and our first recommendation as committee is that director general of NEMA has to be suspended immediately and his duties assigned to someone else with a capability of enforcing cleaning of the river so that our people stop dying of cancer everyday” said Mbai.

    Mbai observed that continuous pollution of the river will make the multi Billion Thwake Dam project meaningless.

    “Thwake Dam will become another dumpsite.” Hon. Mbai observed.

    The petitioner said that a comprehensive data collection to confirm number of cancer related deaths was long overdue. Musyoka reaffirmed that after the research the locals will attach the blame to the pollutant’s ‘demand’ financial compensation for loss of lives.

    The committee revealed that it had conducted chemical analysis of River Athi waters and revealed shocking results of contaminations with dangerous carcinogenic elements.

    “We have seen water that looks like that of a sewage, and this is what people rely on for domestic use. The Government must move swiftly to contain industrial pollution by factories upstream to save our people,” said Edith Nyenze, MP Kitui West.

    Mr. Mamo B. Mamo was appointed by the Board of Management as the Acting Director General in 2019 following the arraignment in court of the former DG where he was later confirmed as the DG.

    Mr Mamo has disputed claims of him being suspended to failure to control the pollution of River Athi.

    The DG has frequently cited the understaffed situation at NEMA the claims he has raised several times before the parliament committee and also the response authority. He has advised the authority to be given a budget to run it’s activities and run it’s mandate as stipulated in the constitution.

    “Ending pollution in river Athi requires a concerted effort involving all stakeholders working together; one entity cannot achieve it alone because of the various factors involved,” he said.

  • Private sectors told to prioritize in Urban Insect Farming For Sustainable Waste Management

    The use of black soldier flies in urban insect farming for sustainable waste management has gained attention as an innovative solution. The private sector has been encouraged to invest in this approach, recognizing its potential to effectively process organic waste and minimize its environmental impact.

    The private sector’s involvement and investment in urban insect farming can accelerate the adoption of sustainable waste management practices, contribute to a circular economy, and address the growing challenge of organic waste. By harnessing the natural abilities of insects, particularly black soldier flies, the private sector can play a crucial role in promoting environmentally friendly solutions and driving positive change in waste management systems.

    Black soldier flies, scientifically known as Hermetia illucens, have a remarkable ability to consume organic waste rapidly. During their larval stage, they efficiently convert various organic materials into protein-rich biomass. This biomass, commonly referred to as “frass,” holds significant value for applications such as animal feed, biofuel production, and organic fertilizers.

    Dr. Ayub Macharia, the Director of Environmental Education Awareness at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, emphasized the importance of private sector involvement during The World Circular Economy Forum 2023 Kenya Studio hosted by the African Circular Economy Network (ACEN) in Nairobi. He encouraged the private sector to explore the lucrative investment opportunity presented by farming insects, particularly using black soldier flies, as it allows for the effective utilization of readily available organic waste. Macharia also highlighted the benefits of organic fertilizer, which contains nutrients that are beneficial for soil health and not harmful to the environment.

    While researchers have presented their findings on the use of black soldier flies for organic waste mitigation, it appears that the uptake of urban insect farming using this approach has been limited. However, the potential for reducing waste volumes, diverting organic waste from landfills, and creating value-added products through this method has been widely recognized.

    The statements made by Dr. Ayub Macharia, Lara Maritano, and Festus Ngeno highlight the importance of adopting sustainable waste management practices and the potential benefits of using black soldier flies in urban insect farming. Kenya, in particular, faces significant waste management challenges, with an estimated 22,000 tons of waste generated per day.

    The linear waste management approach, which involves mixing all waste and sending it to dumpsites, contributes to environmental issues such as greenhouse gas emissions and the release of methane as products decompose. To address these challenges, alternative solutions are needed.

    The use of black soldier flies presents a promising opportunity for sustainable waste management. Nairobi alone generates over 2,000 tons of organic waste daily, which, if harnessed using black soldier flies, could create employment opportunities and produce valuable resources. The conversion of organic waste into protein for animal feed and the production of organic fair-trade products are among the potential benefits.

    The African Circular Economy Network (ACEN) plays a crucial role in promoting circular economy principles and organizing events like the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) Studios. The WCEF2023 Kenya Studio aimed to make the forum’s knowledge and materials accessible to more African communities and showcased sustainable products from local entrepreneurs.

    Zablon Wekesa, the ACEN Country Representative for Kenya, emphasized the importance of supporting the East African community with knowledge and financial resources to accelerate waste reduction and management efforts.

    Overall, the messages conveyed by these individuals underscore the urgency of adopting sustainable waste management practices and the potential of insect farming, particularly using black soldier flies, as a viable solution to mitigate the environmental impact of organic waste.

  • Kenya should immediately adopt an integrated water resource management (IWRM) model to avoid sliding into a water supply crisis by 2030, an expert has advised

    Kenya should immediately adopt an integrated water resource management (IWRM) model to avoid sliding into a water supply crisis by 2030, an expert has advised

    By OMBOKI MONAYO
    omboki2725@gmail.com

    According to Egerton University researcher and water management expert Prof Japheth Onyando, IWRM integrates the management of social and natural systems, water quality, and coordination with other natural resources including the land, atmosphere, and biosphere.

    “IWRM must always prioritize water use through a holistic and cross-cutting approach. In this model, we seek to efficiently manage water in totality and not just focus on safe water for drinking,” he says.

    The East African nation has recently experienced heavy rains that have caused flooding and destruction of residences and property in places like Kano in Kisumu County and South Mugirango in Kisii County.

    Despite the downpours that have been recorded countrywide, reliable safe water supply for Kenyans however remains a mirage.

    (Kenya Water and Sanitation Civil Society Network (KEWASNET) chief executive Malesi Shivaji.
    (Kenya Water and Sanitation Civil Society Network (KEWASNET) chief executive Malesi Shivaji.

    According to Dr. Malesi Shivaji who heads the Kenya Water and Sanitation Civil Society Network (KEWASNET), the country has a water supply shortfall of at least 600 cubic meters per capita.

    “Kenya is least endowed in water supply terms, with a 400 cubic meters per capita availability, against the UN recommended availability of 1000 cubic meters per capita,” says Dr. Shivaji.

    Prof Onyando said the country’s endowment or water supply status was first estimated along with the country’s population during the construction of the Uganda Railway in 1896.

    “Our endowment was first estimated in 1896 when the Uganda Railway construction was begun,” said Prof Onyando.

    “Kenya’s endowment at the time was 20bn cubic meters, which works out to 8,000 cubic meters per capita,” the scientist added.

    Since then, this endowment level has significantly reduced due to population growth.

    “According to globally accepted standards, any endowment less than 1,000 cubic meters is classified as water stressed. Kenya is currently classified as a chronic water-stressed country, with an endowment of approximately 490 cubic meters per capita,” he said.

    Data collected and analyzed by an Egerton University study in shows that the situation is projected to worsen in the coming years.

    “By 2030, the country’s endowment will be at 393 cubic meters per capita. By 2050 it will be just 293 cubic meters per capita,” Prof Onyando revealed.

    “Kenya’s demand ratio will increase and surpass availability. There will be a very big difference between what we have versus what we need,” he told sasanews.co.ke

    Egerton University water resources management expert Prof Japheth Onyando.
    Egerton University water resources management expert Prof Japheth Onyando.

    The statistics indicate that Nairobi County, which is currently home to 4,397,0734m residents as per the 2019 National Census, will not fare any better in the projected endowment levels.

    Nairobi, which gets most of its water supply from the Athi River catchment area, will be at a demand ratio of 80 by 2030 and decline to 70 by 2050.

    To save the city from water supply woes, the academic recommends that it seeks the assistance of Tana River County.

    “Tana River will have to supply Nairobi with water by 2030 to overcome the shortfall,” says Prof Onyando.

    Management challenges have been identified as a major obstacle to the seamless administration of the country’s water resources.

    Dr. Shivaji says the country’s water sector continues to suffer from inefficiency in service delivery due to a bloated management structure, with some 18 statutory bodies mandated to carry out different functions. This sad state of affairs has led to a confused and uncoordinated administration of its affairs.

    “The bloated structure has given rise to several inefficiencies in the water sector, including the duplication of some functions and contradictory terms of reference for others,” says the scientist who heads the think tank.

    On his part, Prof. Onyando said many Kenyans continue to ail from what he termed ‘water blindness’.

    “Many of us suffer from water blindness and related wasteful use of available water. This comes from the mistaken notion that there is plenty of water all around us yet we are currently classified as a water-stressed nation,” said Prof. Onyando.

    He says rainwater harvesting should be encouraged in the city and other parts of the country.

    “As a country, we should manage the water catchment areas so that we have more groundwater and surface water stored using dams. Water harvesting should not be dismissed as a poor person’s pastime but should be nationally embraced to significantly reduce shortages during the dry seasons,” said the academic.

     

    The academic is urging the implementation of urgent remedial measures to conserve the environment and arrest the dwindling water supply.

    “We can safeguard our diminishing water supply status by protecting water catchment areas to store more water, reducing the soil loss from construction activities from 600 tons of soil per hectare per year to 11 tons per hectare, and boosting the national forest cover from 7.4 percent to the UN recommended 10 percent,” the expert recommends.