Kenya water availability
has worsened due to effects of climate change, rising population pressure and
destruction of wetlands and catchments. Kenya, with total area of 582,646KM²,
water mass occupies on 1.9 % or 11230KM² while 80% of total area is arid and
semi-arid implying that on 114283KM² is available for productive rainfed
agriculture. However, there is large potential of agriculture in the arid and
semi-arid areas subject to investment in irrigation, water harvesting and water
storage. ASAL areas water sources are rivers, farm ponds, boreholes, dams and
sand dams. River water per capita has
been in decline due to anthropogenic activities leading to increased vulnerability
of farming communities along riparian areas
Sand harvestings is the
world’s largest mining endeavor, responsible for 85% of mineral extraction.
However, its least regulated, most corrupt, and environmentally destructive. In
Kenya, booming construction industry continues to pile pressure on arable land,
riparian resource, and infrastructure. Sand contribution to construction
industry remains all times high as trucks and lorries loaded with sand are
always visible from rural areas towards urban areas. These heavy automobiles have
resulted to destruction of road networks especially feeder roads within rural
areas as they access the sand mines.
Rivers provide source of
livelihood for communities living adjacent and far off distances through
different water channeling methods. Such communities carry out agriculture
related activities whilst taking care of the rivers for sustainability. Kenya
has good river network some stretching from high potential mountainous regions
to drier lowlands. As they flow along, these rivers offer sources of livelihood
while upholding scenic environment. Sand harvesting continues to pose one of
greatest threat to rivers and riparian ecosystem. Sand acts as safe aquifer of
water flowing beneath the rivers, sand harvesting destroys these aquifers, loss
of aquatic ecosystem and decline in water quality.
Riverbed sand harvesting
remains most single destructive activity to river ecosystem. As the sand is
being scooped, the river continues to widen its bank leading to accelerated
soil erosion and in return reducing arable land. Due to its role as water
aquifer, as the sand reduces so the water reduces and eventually by the time
the sand is completely depleted so is the water. Pollution associated with sand
harvesting has continually posed diseases both to human, livestock, and aquatic
ecosystem. On-farm sand harvesting on the other hand continues to deplete the
fertile topsoil leading to reduced fertility and productivity.
Weak governance
structures have resulted to rampant illegal and uncontrolled sand harvesting. Irresponsible and unsustainable sand
harvesting has caused environmental destruction and devastated scenery. Communities living in sand harvesting prone
areas have borne the blunt. Mostly controlled by cartels and machete wielding
goons, the vice has taken root in rivers adjacent to major towns and highways.
Loss of lives, distraction of properties and injuries have been witnessed as
communities protect their source of livelihoods. National Sand Harvesting
guideline (2007) did provide elaborate sand harvesting procedure; however, its
enforcement remains weakest link in conservation efforts.
Poverty and unemployment
have remained as key drivers of the vice, Unable to anchor living due to
effects of climate change and diminishing natural resource base, individuals
living adjacent to rivers have sought refuge in sand harvesting fueled by weak
implementation of National Sand harvesting guidelines. Loading, transportation
and offloading of sand have offered the much-needed employment opportunities
especially to the youth. School enrolment, retention and performance have
adversely been affected because some of learners have been involved in the sand
business.
Water is life, any
endeavor which threatens its availability deserves condemnation from all
fronts. Communities living along the river banks have the primary
responsibility of safeguarding riparian ecosystem. Water Resource Users
Associations (WRUAs) have continually advocated for responsible, legal, and
regulated sand harvesting, such efforts ought to be lauded and supported by all
actors. Governments, both National and County levels have mandate to legislate
and enforce laws which safeguard our rivers. The synergy of all actors remain
will curb illegal and unregulated sand harvesting and thereby restore the glory
of our rivers.