Nairobi, with its rising population of four million, is at a crossroads, and its waterways are bearing the brunt of this growth. The impact is palpable, and its time to take action.

Local industries, once a source of prosperity, have, at times, irresponsibly disposed of their waste into the very rivers that sustain life in the city. These vital waterways, which should be a symbol of health and abundance, have become conduits for pollution.

One of the primary culprits behind the pollution of the Nairobi River lies in the practices of the nearby factories. These industrial facilities, engaged in the production of diverse products such as textiles, liquor, and building materials, have been far from conscientious when it comes to disposing of their waste. Regrettably, they have been channeling raw sewage, oil, plastic, and a slew of harmful chemicals directly into the river.

Wastewater management

Informal settlements, where thousands call home, have often resorted to directing their sewer lines straight into these rivers, worsening the situation. The pressing needs of daily life have sometimes overshadowed the importance of preserving these lifelines.

And then there are areas where access to proper sanitation facilities remains a distant dream. Here, desperation has led to the unthinkable—dumping waste directly into the rivers.

In the quest for environmental sustainability, one of the pressing challenges that Kenya faces today is wastewater management. And with looming El Nino rains, the situation could worsen for millions of Kenyans, who are vulnerable to the healthcare hazards that can result from the heavy downpour.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) says human impact on the environment is a complex interplay of population size, per capita consumption, and the environmental consequences of technology used in production.

In Kenya, where the population is surging, and industrialization is on the rise, wastewater management has become a crucial concern. Policymakers are facing a complex challenge of wastewater management. They are also dealing with the effects of urbanization and industrialization. Their in-tray is full of growing calls to foster a cleaner, and more sustainable environment.

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Population growth vis-à-vis resource consumption

Kenya, like many countries, grapples with the dual challenges of population growth and resource consumption. According to the 2019 census, the population had surged to an estimated 50 million people, a significant increase from the 2009 census figure of 37.7 million people.

This population growth, coupled with rising global standards of living, has resulted in increased resource consumption. A key resource under immense pressure is water, leading to the production of wastewater that often exceeds the Earth's natural recycling capacity, causing water stress.

Historically, wastewater management efforts have been largely reactive, addressing one problem at a time. Initially, the focus was on sanitation, and more recently, it has shifted towards mitigating the eutrophication of receiving waters.

However, the growth of urban areas, particularly Nairobi City, has outpaced the development of infrastructure to accommodate the needs of the expanding population.

Urbanization, population growth, and industrialization have placed significant strain on Nairobi's river ecosystem that encompasses Mathare, Ngong', Athi, and Kiu.

These vital waterways have become heavily polluted due to the discharge of untreated domestic and industrial waste directly into the rivers, severely impacting their ecosystems.

Efforts toward a clean environment

Despite the challenges, both governmental and non-governmental entities are actively striving to improve the ecological health of Kenya.

Wastewater treatment has become a common biotechnological solution worldwide. The focus of treatment is to remove biodegradable organic compounds, as well as suspending and floating materials from wastewater.

Technologies for wastewater treatment are designed to provide cost-effective sanitation and environmental protection.

Wastewater treatment systems are broadly categorized into three principal types first is the mechanical treatment systems, which aim to remove physical impurities from wastewater.

Then comes aquatic systems whereby plants are used to naturally filter wastewater and remove impurities. Finally, we have terrestrial where treated wastewater is safely returned to the soil, minimizing environmental impact.

Dandora waste landfill

The Dandora Estate Sewerage Treatment Plant stands as a remarkable milestone in wastewater management in Kenya.

It boasts the title of the largest wastewater stabilization pond in Africa, processing 80,000m³ of sewerage daily, which accounts for 80 percent of Nairobi's wastewater.

However, the effluent discharged into Nairobi River currently falls short of the required quality standards due to overloading of this landfill.

To enhance the plant's performance and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA) proposed the construction of a facility to generate energy from methane gas extracted during wastewater treatment.

This innovative approach aims to not only improve treatment but also contribute to sustainable energy generation.

In an effort to enhance sanitation and reduce waterborne diseases, sewerage coverage is being expanded to reach over one million people in Nairobi.

This includes approximately 416,570 residents in informal settlements who will benefit from sewerage connections via the installation of 50 public-integrated sanitation blocks. Such initiatives are vital steps towards improving public health and overall sanitation standards.

County initiatives in waste management

Counties across Kenya have taken significant strides in waste management. Strategies include the purchase of waste collection skips, street and market cleaning, regular waste collection, and the development of by-laws.

Some counties have also engaged private firms to enhance waste collection and transportation. Kajiado County, for instance, is prioritizing the installation of a large incinerator to manage waste effectively.

Additionally, the county is planning to establish Taka-ni-Mali Centers, or waste recycling and business centers, in various parts of the county.

These centers aim to extract economic value from recyclables within the waste pathway while reducing environmental impact.

Despite these efforts, waste management at the county level faces challenges related to policy, planning, budget allocation, and coordination among departments.

There is a pressing need for a comprehensive waste management system that encompasses all aspects of waste generation, collection, treatment, and disposal.

Commitment to environmental protection

Kenya has made significant commitments to environmental protection. Article 42 of the Constitution of Kenya (2010) recognizes the right of every person to a clean and healthy environment.

What's more, growth blueprint Vision 2030 includes ambitious plans to address waste management challenges, including the relocation of the Dandora dumpsite and the establishment of sustainable waste management systems in key urban centers.

Wastewater management is a complex challenge that Kenya faces in its pursuit of a clean and sustainable environment. The intersection of population growth, industrialization, and urbanization places immense pressure on vital water resources.

However, proactive efforts at various levels, from local counties to national agencies, are working towards innovative solutions. As Kenya strives to achieve its long-term development goals, wastewater management will remain a critical component of its journey towards a healthier and more sustainable environment.

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