Summary:
- On World Water Day, Northern Kenya’s communities emphasized water conservation’s importance at Sera Park in Meru County. A water synthesis report was launched to address scarcity, highlighting collaborative efforts needed for sustainable management. Stakeholders stressed collective responsibility and effective governance to tackle water challenges and promote peace.
On March 22, 2024, as the world observed World Water Day, the agro-pastoral communities in Northern Kenya gathered at Sera Park in Kiirua, Meru County, emphasizing the vital role of water conservation in fostering peace and stability among communities.
At the event, a significant milestone was achieved with the launch of a water synthesis report covering Laikipia, Meru, and Isiolo counties. Titled “Where is Our Water Stock,” the report aims to tackle the pressing issue of water scarcity in the region and advocate for the conservation of this precious resource.
The report underscores the scarcity of water in the region and the urgent need for collaborative efforts from all stakeholders, including government agencies, farmers, communities, and water users, to preserve and manage the resource effectively.
Eng. Jackson Muthamia, Meru County Executive Committee Member for Water, Irrigation, Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, emphasized the collective responsibility of residents in utilizing water wisely, stating that the county government would collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure equitable access and usage of water resources.
John Kinoti, Chief Programmes and Partnerships Officer at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, reiterated the importance of protecting and conserving water sources for future generations, emphasizing the need for collective action to mitigate water scarcity’s effects.
Representatives also stressed the alarming data on rainfall, groundwater, and surface water, highlighting the necessity for collective responsibility in achieving water management goals.
The Sub Regional Water Resources Manager, Taratishu Kinyua, representing the Water Resource Authority, emphasized the shared nature of water resources, transcending boundaries and jurisdictions. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts and effective water governance in addressing water scarcity challenges and promoting peace and stability.
The World Water Day celebrations serve as a platform for communities, governments, and organizations to reaffirm their commitment to water conservation and peace-building endeavors.