Kenya boasts of five major water towers spread throughout the country: the Mau Water Complex, Mt. Kenya, the Abadares, Mt. Elgon, and the Cherangani Hills water towers. These ecosystems have been crucial to Kenya's development. For instance, the agricultural sector, which is one of the largest contributors to the GDP and employs a majority of Kenyans, is heavily reliant on these water towers. Additionally, the tourism and energy sectors also depend on them.
However, the prolonged drought and famine in some parts of the country highlight the need to protect the environment. While large water catchment areas are a priority, smaller yet crucial catchment areas are disappearing due to uncontrolled human activities. The famine affected even the highlands, where the five major water towers are located, and there has been a significant reduction in water levels in river Chania which originates from Abadares forest and lake Kamnarok in Kerio Valley. These are clear indications that climate change is impacting Kenya, and immediate action is necessary.
Small water catchment areas and riparian lands across the country are disappearing rapidly due to unchecked human activities. In the north rift region of Rift Valley, for instance, water catchment areas and riparian lands have been turned into eucalyptus plantations driven by the demand for timber. Consequently, water flow has reduced significantly, and some rivers have completely dried up spelling doom to thousands of inhabitants.
Although Kenya has policies in place to protect the environment, their enforcement remains a significant challenge. Some of these policies include the Water Act of 2016, which prohibits the occupation, development, and encroachment of riparian lands, the Forest Conservation and Management Act of 2016, which prohibits development within 30 meters of forest reserve, and the Physical Planning Act of 2019, which prohibits development within 30 meters of a water body.
To preserve our ecosystems, there is a need for deliberate action, and the government must work with communities, at the grassroots level especially farmers, to achieve this. Achieving sustainable agricultural practices cannot be accomplished solely within the confines of boardrooms or well-furnished offices. High-level reforms alone are insufficient in addressing the underlying causes of timber-driven concessions and unsustainable farming techniques. To truly foster effective changes, we must allocate more funding towards operationalizing agricultural extension services and shaping our agricultural techniques.
To effectively integrate and mobilize local communities in conservation efforts, it is essential to adopt a multidimensional approach that involves collaboration between the Ministry of Environment, Energy, Tourism, and Agriculture. This will ensure the implementation of common approaches and policies that will be people-centric.
In conclusion, the protection of smaller water catchment areas and riparian lands is crucial for the livelihoods of the majority of Kenyan households. As the rainy season begins, planting the right species of trees in water catchment areas and riparian lands cannot be understated. Trees play a critical role in preventing soil erosion and maintaining the biodiversity of our ecosystems. County governments and the national government must work together to protect these vital ecosystems for future generations.
Protect water towers, riparian lands to mitigate effects of climate change | Nation