Kericho: A Kericho civic society group is expressing dissatisfaction with the enforcement of National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) laws in regard to environmental conservation in the county, calling for immediate action to protect the water resources in the area and mitigate the negative impacts on the environment through awareness and sustainable practices. The group urged the county government of Kericho to take concrete measures to address protection of water sources, deforestation, and other environmental threats.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Chairman of the Kericho Societies Organization Network, David Ruto, emphasized the critical importance of implementing the removal of eucalyptus trees from water catchment areas to secure natural sources of water against extinction. Ruto highlighted a memo from NEMA issued two years ago, through the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, which mandated the removal of eucalyptus trees from riverbanks, a directive yet to be enforced. Ruto noted that this is the third time in a decade such pronouncements have been made, yet eucalyptus planting along riverbanks persists, posing a significant threat to water resources.
The eucalyptus tree, which takes a minimum of five years to grow, poses a substantial threat to the environment and water sources. Environmental experts caution that the roots of eucalyptus trees may draw water from far and deep, exacerbating water scarcity. Ruto also raised concerns about the ongoing land demarcation in the Chelimo area, situated on the outskirts of Kericho town, for settlement by the Kericho County government. He warned that without incorporating environmental conservation measures, riverbanks may be encroached upon.
Ruto criticized the lack of collaboration between the Lands and Environmental departments, noting discrepancies in adherence to proposed environmental conservation measures. He revealed that a proposal to maintain a 100-meter buffer from the river during the subdivision of Chelimo plots was ignored, with land being measured up to the river. Plans to set aside ten acres for planting 34 species of trees for preservation and protection of animal species have also been disregarded.
As the Director of the Highlands Habitat Conservation Group, Ruto expressed concerns about insufficient progress in wetland conservation. Farmers are expanding their operations into wetlands without understanding the risks posed to natural resources. Ruto called for educational initiatives to inform residents about the importance of wetlands, which significantly contribute to the conservation of water and soil resources and serve as habitats for numerous bird and animal species.
Ruto pointed out that despite two celebrations in Kericho to commemorate World Wetlands Day, deliberate efforts towards wetland conservation are lacking. He suggested that the wrong individuals may be in positions of authority, as residents continue to cultivate in wetlands without understanding their ecological significance. Wetlands within Kericho County are primarily found along rivers such as Kipchorian, Kipturet, Timbilil, Chemosit, Ainamkoi, Malogit, Chebwagan, and Kimugu.
Ruto urged the Kericho County government to allocate sufficient budgets for environmental conservation and related initiatives to sensitize residents on the need to protect their environment. He emphasized the importance of promoting sustainable practices to address the environmental challenges faced by the area. Citing examples from countries like India, Indonesia, and Canada, Ruto stressed the varying impacts of climate change on water resources, ecosystems, and agriculture.
Meanwhile, NEMA laws are comprehensive and aim to protect the environment from various forms of pollution and degradation. Key aspects of NEMA laws include noise regulation, environmental impact assessments (EIAs), Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) 1999, water quality regulations, biodiversity regulations, environmental licensing and permits, and enforcement.