UNREGULATED SAND HARVESTING IS THREAT TO OUR RIVERS AND WATER CATCHMENTS

 

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.