Pollution threatens River Sosiani, experts warn
Koromosho water falls on River Sosiani in Uasin Gishu County. Experts have warned that the river may soon dry up due to massive destruction of trees in its catchment and uncontrolled pollution. PHOTO/JARED NYATAYA
What you need to know:
- The river is also threatened by uncontrolled pollution.
- Environmentalists blame wanton harvesting of trees and discharge of industrial waste for the worrying state of River Sosiani.
- A study by experts from Moi University declared the river dead as its water cannot support any organism due to heavy pollution.
A key river in Uasin Gishu County may soon dry up due to massive destruction of trees in its catchment.
The river is also threatened by uncontrolled pollution.
Environmentalists blame wanton harvesting of trees and discharge of industrial waste for the worrying state of River Sosiani.
“The river is choking with pollution and its water volume declining.
It is likely to disappear unless urgent conservation measures are put in place,” said Moses Kiptoo, an environmental expert in Eldoret.
The National Environment Management Authority (Nema) attributes massive logging activities and clearing of wetlands for agriculture for the reduced water volume.
CONSERVE CATCHMENT
“Apart from environmental destruction, discharge of agro-chemicals from the farms and raw waste from industries and institutions is to blame for the pollution,” said Mr Michael Komen, the Uasin Gishu Nema official.
He said youths have been hired to clean up the river and conserve its catchment.
A study by experts from Moi University declared the river dead as its water cannot support any organism due to heavy pollution.
