Loitoktok Sub County Deputy Commissioner (DCC), Antony Maina has ordered immediate removal of all installed generators along Engong wetlands in Isinet.
Maina ordered four individuals who have installed generators for pumping water, without authorization, two days to remove them, else it will be done at their own expense.
Speaking at Engong Spring wetlands, in Isinet, Loitoktok Sub County during World Wetlands Day, Maina lamented that the generators were polluting the water and the surrounding riparian area through release of used harmful oils into the water, thus endangering lives of the users; animals and human beings.
While responding to lamentations of the local community using the springs, the DCC said it is inhuman for one to only mind about self, without necessarily caring about others.
He called upon the aforementioned individuals in case they have permits for installation of generators to present them to his office for further action against the officers involved in the insurance of such authorization.
On proper use of riparian land, the DCC called upon all land owners along the springs to ensure they avoid encroaching riparian area through cultivation to the spring or river banks, urging them to leave about 6 metres along the banks, which can be used by other users.
“We are going to visit other springs in the sub county to ensure they are well conserved and I assure you that in conjunction with relevant stakeholders we will ensure they are demarcated and fence,” he observed.
Separately, on education Maina lamented that quite a number of children who did last year’s KCPE in the sub county have not reported to their respective schools, warning parents against thinking of marrying off their children which is against the law.
He also warned the parents against retaining their children at home, adding that they may face arrest and prosecution for the offence.
Kajiado County Director of NEMA, Mark Angwenyi, said they are focused on three key areas; management of springs, range land and waste management.
Angwenyi called upon the local community to observe regulations governing management of springs and wetlands, range lands as well as waste management so as to avoiding being found on the wrong side of the law.
“I called upon the local community neighboring springs and wetlands to own them and ensure they are protected so as to ensure they sustainably benefit you,” he added.
Angwenyi said Kajiado County has enough water however it is experiencing problem of management of water and water sources.
He assured the local community of working closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure water sources and riparian areas are demarcated and fenced.
On wetlands on Amboseli Ecosystem, Dr. John Kioko in charge of World Wildlife Fund (WWF)- Amboseli Chyulu Sub Land scape, said the wetlands in the ecosystem face serious pressure from human activities.
“The wetlands associated with Mr. Kilimanjaro are the cornerstone of a delicate social ecological balance in the Amboseli Ecosystem, yet they are facing serious pressure from humans,” he observed.
Dr. Kioko further noted that conserving these wetlands today would save the future of the Amboseli Ecosystem.
He further observed that so far WWF in conjunction with community groups has planted about 129, 400 trees within a period of two months.
The WWF official called upon the local community, government and other stakeholders to continue with exercise of tree planting that will ensure within a period of 10 years the local community start reaping benefits from natural resources surrounding them.
The celebrations were attended by officials from various government and non-government organisations.
By Kimani Tirus
