Kiambu: The once pristine rivers flowing through Kiambu County face an escalating pollution crisis as residents indiscriminately dump waste and practice farming along riverbanks, threatening vital water resources that serve over two million people.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kiambu County boasts an impressive network of waterways, including the Nairobi, Ruiru, Kamiti, Gatamaiyu, Thiririka, Ndarugu, and Karura rivers. However, environmental degradation has turned many of these lifelines into contaminated streams, posing serious health and ecological risks.
Grace Wanjiru, a resident of Ruiru town, expressed her frustration over the deteriorating state of the Ruiru River. “Twenty years ago, we could fetch water directly from the river for domestic use. Now, the water is dark and foul-smelling because people throw garbage, plastics, and even industrial waste into it. Our children are getting sick from waterborne diseases,” she lamented.
The pollution stems primarily from two sources: uncontrolled waste disposal and riparian farming as many residents have encroached on riverbanks, cultivating crops right to the water’s edge and allowing agricultural runoff laden with pesticides and fertilizers to flow directly into the rivers. Additionally, informal settlements along these waterways have resulted in raw sewage and solid waste being dumped into the rivers.
Dr. James Kamau, an environmental scientist at the University of Nairobi, warned of dire consequences if the trend continues. “Rivers in Kiambu are critical water catchment areas for both the county and Nairobi. When we pollute these rivers, we’re not just destroying ecosystems, we’re contaminating our own water supply and endangering public health. The heavy metals and bacteria in these waters can cause cancer, typhoid, and cholera,” he explained.
Kiambu County Government has acknowledged the crisis and outlined intervention measures with County Environment Executive Sarah Nduta announcing plans to establish buffer zones along all major rivers, prohibiting farming within 30 meters of riverbanks. “We’re launching an aggressive campaign to restore our rivers. This includes relocating illegal structures, installing waste collection points in high-density areas, and conducting monthly river clean-up exercises with community participation,” she stated.
The county also plans to partner with local chiefs and environmental groups to enforce the Environmental Management and Coordination Act, which prohibits activities that degrade water catchment areas. Offenders will face fines or prosecution. However, experts argue that sustainable solutions must include alternative livelihoods for affected farmers and improved waste management infrastructure. Without addressing the root causes, poverty and inadequate public services, enforcement alone may prove insufficient to save Kiambu’s dying rivers.