Residents urge committee to address pollution of river

The National Assembly’s Committee on Environment has been directed to look into widespread pollution of Athi River after 10 residents of Yatta constituency petitioned the House on the matter.

The residents said the pollution is mainly by industries and sewage from other entities and have made the river a health hazard yet locals in Kajiado, Nairobi, Machakos, Kitui and Makueni counties use it for domestic use and irrigation.

Yatta MP Francis Mwangangi, who presented the petition on their behalf, asked the Committee to intervene to prevent further discharge and have the river cleaned up.

He said those responsible should be held responsible.

“It is important that the members of the Environment Committee take up this matter. It is only fair that thorough investigations are carried out on this matter and some recommendations that can be acted on by whomever may follow,” he said.

Mr Mwangangi was supported by John Munuve (Mwingi North, Wiper), Wilbur Ottichilo (Emuhaya, ODM), Moses Ole Sakuda (Kajiado West, TNA), Joseph M’eruaki (Igembe North, TNA), Willy Mtengo (Malindi, ODM) and Dr Rachel Nyamai (Kitui South, Narc).

“A lot of the food that we eat in this city is produced in areas down this river. If heavy metals are introduced in this river, it will affect all of us. I will request the committee to impress on the Environment ministry because if this issue is not dealt with, it shall be a disaster,” Mr Munuve said.

He said the efforts to clean up the river was started by John Michuki when he was Environment minister appear to have stopped.

Mr Ottichilo said Athi River has suffered greatly because of the industrialisation of Nairobi and Athi River.

“The flora and fauna along the river has died. This is a matter of national importance and a solution needs to be found not only with Athi River but also at the coast,” he added.

Dr Nyamai said the river is the expected source of water for the planned Thwake Dam. The dam is expected to be a source of hydropower, water for irrigation and for domestic use.

“On the lower side, you notice that the water has a different colour,” Dr Nyamai said.

Mr Mtengo said residents of areas downstream of the river, where it is known as Galana, have noticed that wildlife that used to thrive next to the river has reduced.

“This is the sole source of water for us and given that this is a crucial source for us, we would support any effort to clean up the river,” he said.