This archive report was first published on 23 October 2019.
The Nairobi River, which flows through the heart of Kenya's capital city, is a vital water source for many residents. However, its poor condition poses a significant risk to the health of those who rely on it for irrigation, drinking water, and other uses.
According to a study conducted by a lecturer at the University of Nairobi, the levels of lead, copper, chromium, zinc, and manganese in the river's water are far beyond those allowed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Kenya's National Environment Management Authority.
The study also found high levels of bacteria, including Escherichia coli (E. coli), which can lead to periodic outbreaks of water-borne diseases like typhoid, cholera, and dysentery.
Industrial waste, including pollutants from paint, leather, and electroplating industries, is a major contributor to the river's pollution. The lack of proper waste management and enforcement of policies governing waste water disposal has enabled this situation to persist.
Human waste is also a significant problem, with many residents in informal settlements using the river to dispose of their waste. The lack of proper sanitation facilities and sewage treatment plants has exacerbated the issue.
These pollutants can have wide-ranging effects on human health, including damage to children's mental development, kidney damage, and increased risk of cancer.
To address this issue, the government must ensure that sewage units are efficient and that policies involving waste water disposal into the river are adhered to. Mechanisms to prevent further pollution must also be put in place, including holding companies accountable for their waste and setting up proper methods of dumping waste.
Finally, waste water treatment plants must be upgraded and expanded to handle the waste produced in the county.
The article was first published on The Conversation on October 23, 2019.
