The Journey of Water
Mito safi Jukumu Letu
In Kenya, the urgency of water stress looms large, as the country grapples with insufficient water resources to meet the escalating demands of both its people and economy. The looming specter of climate change, coupled with population growth, foretells a dire future: by 2025, the per capita water supply is set to dwindle from 647 cubic meters per annum to a mere 235 cubic meters. The challenge ahead is formidable, urging us to take bold action. Regrettably, developments in the water sector often proceed in fragmented silos, lacking the integrated approach necessary to confront this multifaceted crisis head-on.
However, amidst the chaos, WWF-Kenya emerges as a beacon of hope, spearheading an extraordinary endeavor. Their resolute mission revolves around cultivating awareness regarding water security, access, quality, and quantity. By rallying diverse stakeholders from the water sector, WWF-Kenya has forged a collective movement to champion integrated water resource management across the entire nation.
While water scarcity reverberates throughout the land, its impact is particularly severe in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs). The fate of our rivers hinges on safeguarding their lifelines—their catchments. Recognizing this, the #JourneyofWater campaign, led by WWF-Kenya, assumes paramount importance in addressing water and conservation issues in Laikipia County.
Its audacious goal is to instill a deep-rooted understanding of water as an invaluable yet severely constrained natural resource, rallying an army of individuals committed to protecting Kenya’s freshwater resources and preserving its breathtaking landscapes. This year witnessed the resounding success of the Journey of Water campaign, as hundreds joined forces, embarking on a symbolic walk that cast the spotlight on the Ewaso Nyiro basin. The region’s prominence intensified, particularly in the wake of a harrowing drought, during which water had to be ferried painstakingly to schools and hospitals. Initiatives like the Journey of Water campaign serve as vital steps toward achieving water security, underscoring the imperative of water and catchment protection.
However, the responsibility to safeguard our water resources does not rest solely on the shoulders of organizations like WWF-Kenya; empowering communities to take ownership of water management is of paramount importance. It is essential to foster awareness at all levels, from grassroots to the highest echelons of power.
Mito safi Jukumu Letu!
The Journey of Water campaign stands as a steadfast bulwark against water-related challenges in Kenya, advocating for sustainable water management practices. Water is not a mere life-sustaining force; it is the lifeblood of agriculture, industry, and our daily activities. Together, as we traverse this path, we strive to secure our future, nurturing a vision of vibrant freshwater systems that continue to nurture both biodiversity and human livelihoods.
