Freshwater resources are highly vulnerable and can easily become compromised without proper management. As population growth and industrial activities increase, so does the demand for water, elevating the risk of pollution and threatening both human health and the environment. The Likii River, a vital water source for Nanyuki municipality, faces significant pollution from excessive chemical use on smallholder and commercial farms, improper solid waste disposal, and activities such as washing of vehicles directly in the river. Without timely intervention, this pollution could render the water unsafe for human consumption, livestock, and the surrounding ecosystem.
To tackle these pressing pollution challenges, the LWF, with support from the WWF Russell E. Train Education for Nature (EFN) Program, is launching a project aimed at protecting the Likii River sub-catchment from improper waste disposal. The initiative will focus on improving water quality by promoting sustainable waste management practices in the Likii and Kangaita informal settlements; home to more than 10,000 residents.
The project’s success hinges on strong collaboration with key local actors in the water and waste management sectors. These include the Likii Water Resource Users Association (WRUA), Ng’arisha Mtaa Youth Group, Mazingira Recyclers, and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). Together, these partners will drive pollution awareness campaigns and foster behavioral changes necessary to adopt sustainable waste management practices.
Youth-led organizations such as Ng’arisha Mtaa and Mazingira Recyclers will play a pivotal role in mobilizing the community, raising awareness, and actively involving local residents in maintaining a clean environment. Under the motto “Mazingira Safi, Jukumu Letu” (A Clean Environment, Our Responsibility), these groups will encourage community engagement and environmental stewardship.
A key focus will be on household-level waste management, with community members given opportunities to visit examples of waste being transformed into useful resources. One such example is the production of plastic poles from recycled waste by Mazingira Recyclers, which will serve as an educational model to inspire change of behaviour across the community.
To amplify this initiative’s impact, LWF will conduct radio talks and podcasts to reach a broader audience. The project aims to reduce pollutants originating from informal settlements, irrigation farms, and peri-urban areas, thereby safeguarding this crucial freshwater resource for both the present and future generations.
