By Brian Gitonga, DevReporter, Meru County
Key Highlights
- River Mpuoni in Meru’s Imenti North Constituency has become a health hazard due to raw sewage pollution.
- Blocked septic tanks from the Kooje and Gakoromone estates are the primary sources of contamination.
- Public health tests have confirmed that the river is heavily contaminated with fecal matter.
According to estimates from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 9.9 Million Kenyans rely on water from contaminated surface sources.
Despite Meru County having numerous freshwater sources, human activity continues to contribute significantly to water pollution, raising serious concerns.
A notable example is River Mpuoni in Imenti North Constituency, which flows past Gakoromone Market and through the Kooje estate.
Once clean, River Mpuoni is now tainted with raw sewage, leading to a growing health crisis.
Residents have reported the issue to public health authorities for years, but little action has been taken, even as waterborne diseases continue to rise.
Source of Raw Sewage
Peter Mwithimbu, a father of four who has lived in Kooje for two decades, attributes the problem to blocked septic tanks in the Kooje and Gakoromone estates that are leaking waste into the river.
“This river was once clean, but now the main issue is raw sewage from blocked septic tanks in our residential areas. It is leaking into River Mpuoni, which we rely on for drinking and household needs,” says Peter.
He also notes that the polluted water flows downstream to Rwanyange, where residents use it without knowledge of the upstream contamination.
Peter emphasises the need for the government to provide clean water through Meru Water and Sewerage Services (MEWASS).
Poses a Threat
Kennedy Mwenda Munyi, another resident of Kooje, warns that polluted water poses a threat to lives downstream.
He urges the government to revive the stalled Rwanyange sewerage project.
“Every day, our downstream water sources are becoming contaminated. This polluted water mixes with the little clean water we have left, endangering all of us. We are calling on the government to urgently complete the sewerage project initiated by former President Uhuru Kenyatta,” said Kennedy.
George Nyanjui, who has worked near the river for years, reports that untreated sewage continues to flow into the river despite repeated warnings to landlords.
“People are suffering from typhoid, amoeba, intestinal worms, and severe diarrhea after drinking this water. Several meetings have been held, including one last month, but nothing has changed. The reality is that sewage is still entering the river,” said George.
Presence of Waterborne Diseases
Dr. Festus Mwenda, the Sub County Public Health Officer for Imenti North, has confirmed the contamination of River Mpuoni, contradicting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Goal 6, which aims to achieve universal and equitable access to safe drinking water.
He stated that tests indicate the water is unsafe for human consumption and highlighted the presence of waterborne diseases.
“We collected samples for bacteriological and chemical analysis at the National Public Health Laboratory, and the results showed serious fecal contamination, indicating the risk of fecal-oral diseases,” confirmed Dr. Mwenda.
Working with Stakeholders
Akwalu Victor Mugambi, the Chief Officer for Lands, Urban Development, Physical Planning, and Public Works in Meru County, confirmed the sewage pollution in River Mpuoni.
He mentioned that the county is working with stakeholders and the national government to accelerate the Rwanyange sewerage project as a long-term solution. This effort is in accordance with section 69(1)(a) of the Kenyan Constitution, which emphasises the sustainable utilisation, management, and conservation of the environment and natural resources.
“We are aware of the sewerage issue in that area. Through the governor, the county is engaging with stakeholders and the national government to accelerate the completion of the Rwanyange sewerage project, which will provide a lasting solution,” Akwalu said.
