Mt Kenya battles water scarcity as rivers dry amid dying glaciers

Source of Ngare Ndare River in Ngare Ndare forest on the Mt Kenya ecosystem. [Mactilda Mbenywe, Standard]

River Ngare Ndare, a lifeline winding its way through sheer rock façades and rolling hills, shimmers in striking hues of turquoise blue and vivid green.

Its source inside Ngare Ndare forest at the heart of the Mt Kenya ecosystem, is as breathtaking and unique as the landscape it quenches.

However, this once-thriving river, whose source is the Mt Kenya Glacier, is facing a dire challenge - a battle against diminishing glaciers threatening the river’s survival. This has unsettled local communities.

Hundreds of elephants and other wildlife depend on this water source, not only for drinking but also for bathing, as do humans. This common dependence has intensified the competition for this increasingly scarce resource.

Reports indicate that the glaciers atop Rwenzori and Mt Kenya, two of East Africa’s iconic mountain ranges, are rapidly disappearing and will most likely be gone by the 2040s.

The alarming findings suggest that these glaciers, which have already experienced significant shrivel, are on track to vanishing ahead of their projected timelines, with potentially devastating consequences for ecosystems, water resources, and the communities that depend on them.

“This river is our lifeline, our history. It has quenched our thirst for centuries,” laments Jeremiah Mwenda, the Head Guide of Ngare Ndare Trust. “Now, its waters are dwindling, and we are fighting to preserve what’s left.”

Data paints a grim picture. Over the last decade, water levels in the Ngare Ndare River have decreased by a staggering 30 per cent.

The once mighty river, fed by the melting glaciers of Mt Kenya, now struggles to sustain communities of Isiolo, Laikipia, and Meru counties.

Abdi Mohammed, a livestock farmer from Manyagalo village in Meru County, speaks of their daily struggles.

“We used to depend on this river for irrigation and drinking water. Now, we receive water once every five days. Our crops are wilting, and our animals are suffering,” he says.

The plight of Abdi and countless others echoes through the neighbouring villages.

Martin Kinoti, another farmer, paints a bleak picture of their efforts to adapt.

“We’ve embraced zero grazing to save water, but even that is not enough. Our milk production has decreased. Our animals graze alongside wildlife, desperate for any greenery. It’s a struggle for survival,” he says.

The villagers insist that the root cause of this crisis lies in the melting glaciers of Mt Kenya. Historically, River Ngare Ndare found its source in these icy giants.

However, climate change has accelerated their demise.

According to scientific studies, Mt Kenya’s glaciers have decreased by approximately 45 per cent in the last century.

Mwenda’s words mirror the sentiments of many.

“Our battle is not just against climate change. It’s a battle against time. We need to act swiftly to save our river.”

Efforts are underway to conserve what remains. The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, in collaboration with local communities, has erected a 100,000-litre water tank, offering a temporary reprieve.

“Since its operation from 2010 to date, the water from the tank has transformed our lives,” says Abdi, adding; “However, it’s not a permanent solution. We need sustainable measures to safeguard our future.”

Michael Misiko, the Agriculture Director for African Region at the Nature Conservancy, sheds light on the way forward.

“Efficient water use is paramount. We need to ensure irrigation methods practiced are water-saving. The conflict between pastoralists and farmers for water resources is escalating. Responsible water management can mitigate these conflicts,” he warns.

Margaret Wambui, Laikipia County crops officer, emphasises the need for innovative solutions.

“We are enhancing the use of drip irrigation and water storage through the creation of water pans. Water-efficient farming methods are crucial to our survival,” she advises.

Dr Boniface Kiteme, the Director at the Centre for Training and Integrated Research in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands Development (CETRAD) in Nanyuki, dittoes the importance of community involvement.

“Water governance structures at the grassroots level are vital. The institutions within our society need to be supported and empowered. Education and awareness are key components in ensuring sustainable water management,” he says.

He adds, “Yet the struggle against the impending water crisis isn’t just about conservation efforts and governance. It is also about resilience and unity among the affected communities.”