Environmental experts have called on Nyanza region governors to come up with policies that support proper waste management and protect Lake Victoria from pollution.
Concerns have been raised on the high level of pollution in the lake which affects water quality and harm aquatic life.
Climatologist and a member of the Environment Institute of Kenya Clifford Omondi argued that poor waste management has contributed to pollution in the lake.
Lake Victoria, which is one of the fresh water lakes in the world, has been described as a septic tank due to pollution. The lake has suffered siltation, plastic pollution and other effluents.
On Saturday, Omondi said it is important for governors in counties such as Homa Bay, Kisumu, Busia, Migori and Siaya to come up with policies that will ensure the lake is conserved for its sustainability.
He called for concerted efforts to save the water body from further harm.
“Lake Victoria is a source of livelihoods to many people. For continuity of this, let the county leaderships around the lake protect it from pollution,” Omondi said.
Speaking to journalists in Homa Bay town, the expert said there are already some environmental management policies which need to be implemented to protect the lake.
The climatologist also challenged organisations advocating for environmental protection to strengthen their role in conserving the lake.
Lake Victoria has in the recent past witnessed an increased level of pollution especially in Kisumu and Homa Bay, especially by water hyacinth.
According to Omondi, priorities need to be put on how to appropriately address waste disposals including fecal matter, within towns along the lake which contribute to water pollution.
He said the waste is discharged into the lake when it rains.
“Some of waste contains chemicals that are harmful to the human body,” the climate expert said.
Some of the effects of pollution in the lake include death of fish.
Sometime this year, cage fish farmers recorded losses worth millions when their fish died mysteriously.
Experts said deaths resulted from algae concentration at the cage site, which are undergoing decomposition, and utilising oxygen in the water causing low levels of dissolved oxygen as explained by the fisheries researchers.
“By extension, governors within the Lake Region Economic Block should formulate policies to address environmental threats,” he added.
He said talks about environmental conservation should be based on climate smart agriculture, protection of water sources and proper utilisation of donor funds meant to address climate change.
Omondi wants priority put in hygiene and sanitation in order to protect the lake.
“Climate change is real and scientists warn that the situation is likely to get worse when we fail to take action,” he added.