Kiirua, Meru County – In observance of World Water Day on March 22, 2024, communities in Northern Kenya congregated at Sera Park in Kiirua, Meru County, to emphasize the critical role of water conservation in promoting regional peace and stability. A pivotal moment of this gathering was the unveiling of a comprehensive water synthesis report, a collaborative effort that spanned Laikipia, Meru, and Isiolo counties, focusing on the pressing water scarcity issues in these areas.
According to Kenya News Agency,” the primary objective is to spotlight the acute water scarcity in Northern Kenya, urging a unified approach among government bodies, agricultural stakeholders, local communities, and water users to preserve this essential resource. Eng. Jackson Muthamia, Meru County’s Executive Committee Member for Water, Irrigation, Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, stressed the collective responsibility of residents and officials to manage and conserve water judiciously.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, John Kinoti, Chief Programmes and Partnerships Officer at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, articulated the shared duty of all stakeholders in safeguarding water sources for future generations. He emphasized the alarming state of regional water data, including rainfall patterns and groundwater levels, advocating for comprehensive community engagement in water conservation strategies.
Representing the Water Resource Authority, Sub Regional Water Resources Manager Taratishu Kinyua underscored the concept of water as a communal asset, essential for transcending geographical and administrative boundaries. He advocated for enhanced cooperation and effective governance to combat water scarcity, promoting both environmental sustainability and regional tranquility.
The report’s launch on World Water Day serves as a clarion call for concerted action toward sustainable water usage and management, underscoring the intertwined nature of water resource conservation and community well-being in Northern Kenya.