Hundreds take part in campaign to secure water catchments

The scorching sun, rough terrains and the rolling hills of Nandi did not dampen the spirit of the over 600 Kenyans from embarking on a three-day walk to promote sustainable water use.

The perilous 'Journey of Water Campaign' walk began on Wednesday at the catchment area for River Kibos.

Here, the water is sparklingly clean.

But as it meanders downstream, human activities are interfering with the quality of water.

It is for this reason that the walk is being held to educate residents on the need to jealously guard this resource.

River Kibos is a trans-county river with tributaries in Vihiga, Nandi, and Kisumu counties.

It is a lifeline for about half a million Kisumu residents who depend on it for daily water needs.

The campaign entails a three-day hike along a river course to identify the river's challenges, followed by a reflection conference by partners and stakeholders on the third day.

Journey of Water Campaign aims to expose water users to the long journey water takes before reaching their taps, fostering a deeper appreciation for this vital resource.

State Department of Water and Sanitation PS Julius Korir said water sources continue to face challenges of illegal abstraction and riparian encroachment exacerbated by climate change which increases competition and conflicts.

Korir said water catchments must be protected at all costs as they are vital water sources.

The PS said the state is keen to ensure there is universal access to safe drinking water.

Korir decried that only 29 per cent  of Kenya's population have access to sanitation.

Further, 40 per cent lacks access to safe drinking.

Korir said the ministry is in the process of engaging stakeholders.

He said 300,000km of degraded rivers and 350 million of hectares wetlands are committed for restoration by 2030.

World Wide Fund for Nature-Kenya Fresh Water Lead Dr William Ojwang said the campaign shares with citizens the need to secure water catchments.

“The lake cannot be managed in isolation without considering what happens at the catchment. Catchment areas must be taken into account, including everything that flows into the lake. Sustainable management requires a holistic approach,” Ojwang said.

He said River Kibos is more than just a waterway.

“It is the lifeline for over half a million residents of Kisumu who depend on it for their daily water needs. Without this river, Kisumu would face a severe water crisis, and the sanitation situation would be disastrous. This underscores the importance of protecting and preserving our water sources,” Ojwang says.

WWF-K CEO Mohamed Awer said water is a precious resource that must be protected at all costs even as the demand rises due to the explosion of population.

“Climate change is also deepening the challenge. We know water does not just come from the tap, it comes from nature. With nature under threat, we are all called upon to protect and conserve our freshwater sources,” Awer said.

He warned that if the country loses its rivers, lakes and wetlands, the results will be disastrous to sectors such as agriculture, wildlife and the economy.

“This is why we organise the annual Journey of Water campaign for catchment conservation, from the water sources to our taps. We do this with all stakeholders, communities, government agencies and non-state actors. To learn and understand the challenges and threats, identify opportunities for collaboration, co-create solutions and follow through on commitments.”

Awer said people, wildlife and the economy will thrive if  there is healthy freshwater environments.

Kisumu  faces a severe water scarcity.

Despite being home to Lake Victoria, the world’s second-largest freshwater lake, over 500,000 residents struggle to access clean water.

Since its inception in 2022, the campaign has raised awareness about water conservation and the importance of protecting rivers and water sources.

Last year, the campaign began at the foot of Mount Kenya in Ewaso Nyiro North.