Waste from farms, hotels polluting Lake Naivasha –Environment Ministry
She expressed concern over the growing environmental pressures facing the area, citing pollution, wetland degradation, destruction of land and forest ecosystems, and a decline in biodiversity.
The Ministry of Environment has sounded an alarm over rising pollution levels around Lake Naivasha, attributing the problem primarily to waste from agricultural activities and the hospitality sector.
According to the Ministry, the surge in pollution is a result of unchecked agricultural practices, excessive use of farm chemicals, and the release of untreated waste from hotels into the ecosystem.
These concerns were raised in Naivasha during the unveiling of a Ksh.230 million initiative aimed at rehabilitating and restoring the delicate Lake Naivasha Basin ecosystem.
The three-year initiative, backed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through WWF-US and implemented by the National Environment Trust Fund (NETFUND), aims to rehabilitate the catchment areas and riparian zones surrounding the Lake Naivasha Basin.
While launching the project, Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa emphasized the importance of the Lake Naivasha Basin, describing it as a vital region that supports key water towers such as the Aberdares and the Mau Forest.
She expressed concern over the growing environmental pressures facing the area, citing pollution, wetland degradation, destruction of land and forest ecosystems, and a decline in biodiversity.
The CS attributed these issues largely to unsustainable farming practices, excessive use of agrochemicals, discharge of waste from hotels, and encroachment into riparian zones.
Barasa warned that if such trends persist, the country risks losing critical ecosystem services.
She stressed that the government is deeply worried about the unsustainable activities taking place around the lake.
CS Deborah Barasa noted that the rehabilitation initiative is expected to play a significant role in tackling existing challenges, particularly by boosting fish stocks and enhancing agricultural productivity.
She said the project will yield several key outcomes, including stronger governance of the basin, restoration of forest and wetland ecosystems, and the promotion of sustainable land use practices.
Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha, also present at the event, emphasized that around 80 percent of the water feeding into Lake Naivasha originates from the Aberdare Ranges, underscoring the urgency of protecting this crucial water tower.
Governor Badilisha highlighted persistent threats to the Aberdares, such as encroachment, deforestation, and land degradation, describing the project as both necessary and timely.