Loitoktok Sub County Calls for Immediate Removal of Unauthorized Generators to Protect Wetlands

ISINET, Loitoktok Sub County – In a decisive move to safeguard the ecological integrity of the Engong wetlands, Loitoktok Sub County Deputy Commissioner (DCC), Antony Maina, has mandated the immediate dismantling of unauthorized generators installed along the waterbody. This directive was issued during the World Wetlands Day celebrations held in Isinet, where Maina emphasized the urgency of the situation.

According to Kenya News Agency, the presence of these generators, installed by four individuals without the necessary permits, poses a significant threat to the wetlands and its inhabitants by polluting the water with harmful oils. The Deputy Commissioner gave the individuals a two-day ultimatum to remove the generators at their own cost, highlighting the detrimental effects on both wildlife and local communities reliant on the Engong Spring wetlands.

The call to action was in response to concerns raised by the local community about the adverse environmental impact of the unauthorized installations. Maina criticized the disregard for communal well-being, urging those with permits to come forward for review and possible action against the officers who issued such authorizations.

Further addressing the conservation of riparian lands, Maina advised landowners along the springs to refrain from encroaching on these areas through cultivation up to the riverbanks. He recommended leaving a buffer zone of about 6 meters to allow for shared use, announcing plans to inspect other springs within the sub county for conservation efforts, including demarcation and fencing, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

In a separate address, Maina raised concerns over educational matters, noting the alarming number of children in the sub county who have not enrolled in schools following the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams. He warned parents against illegal practices such as child marriage and retention at home, stating they could face legal action.

Mark Angwenyi, Kajiado County Director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), outlined the county’s focus on managing springs, rangelands, and waste. He encouraged local adherence to environmental regulations to avoid legal repercussions, emphasizing community ownership and protection of water sources for sustainable benefits.

In relation to the Amboseli Ecosystem, Dr. John Kioko of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) highlighted the critical pressure wetlands face from human activities. He stressed the importance of conservation efforts, including the planting of approximately 129,400 trees over two months, to maintain the balance within the ecosystem and urged continued collaboration among the local community, government, and stakeholders in environmental preservation.

The World Wetlands Day event saw participation from officials across various government and non-governmental organizations, underscoring a collective commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable management practices.