An Analysis of Water Pollution and Sustainable Development: a Case Study of Nairobi River in Kenya, 1980-2007

Abstract

This research is focusing on the Nairobi River on the themes of water pollution and sustainable development. From the study, it was realized that water was being polluted from three mam sources which are Municipal, industries, and agriculture. The Nairobi River has tributaries which are more polluted than the main stream. An example is Ngong River which is polluted with industrial affluent and sewer waste. At the river sources and upper catchment areas, pollution is mainly in form of agricultural waste. As the river enters the Nairobi city, the pollution is mainly from sewers, and as it flows out of the city it has the combination of the above inclusive of industrial waste. The study found that both public and political will is lacking in checking the pollution management commitments. The public is not well informed on water pollution, and so continue to use water as a public good, not minding about other users. There are also many laws that are drawn to check out water pollution, but are lacking when it comes to implementation and strict adherence. The many bodies also formed to deal with water issues have overlapping functions causing confusion and conflict. It is however a positive move that the river is being restored, and there is hope of having clean water in the river due to the now stringent water laws. Pollution has been caused by the development activities which have not integrated the concept of sustainable development. However, the policies have been formulated to consider sustainable development. The worry is how long will the effort last, owing to the need to have sustainable programmes.