Poisonous solid waste is finding its way into Lake Naivasha raising fears over the quality of fish in the troubled water body.
The raw waste from informal settlements around the lake is getting into the lake following destruction of vegetation around riparian land.
To address this, Nakuru government has started to open up drainage systems in estates as it seeks to rehabilitate the riparian land.
The government, in January, declared fish from Lake Nakuru unfit for human consumption.
Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said the lake was contaminated by effluents from Nakuru town.
Lakeview MCA Alex Mbugua said for years, waste waters and garbage have been flowing in the lake unabated.
He said there is need to address the issue before fish from Lake Naivasha is declared unfit as well.
“We have noted with worry over the amount of waste that is washed into the lake mainly during rainy seasons and it’s time to act,” Mbugua said.
“Lake Naivasha supports hundreds of people and the continued pollution is a threat hence the decision to use local youths to clean it up,” he said.
Mbugua spoke during a clean-up exercise in Kihoto estate, which borders the lake.
He said the clogged drainage systems had worsened the situation.
“We have seen a rise in diseases like cholera and malaria due to the stagnant water hence the move by the county to clean the drainage systems,” Mbugua said.
Victor Osmo, a youth from Kihoto said the clean-up will keep the water body fresh.
He thanked the county government for engaging local youths.
Joyce Ndegwa, a resident described the initiative as timely.
“For years our children have suffered from diseases like cholera and typhoid and the lake has been choked by garbage," she said.
