MOUNT KENYA, Kenya – The conservation of the Upper Ewaso Ng’iro Basin, also known as the Ewaso Ng’iro North (ENN) has received a significant boost after a group of youths joined the initiative.
Upper Ewaso Ng’iro Basin is a region in Central Kenya characterised by a diverse landscape and varying rainfall patterns. It spans from the humid slopes of Mount Kenya to the arid northern rangelands.
The basin is vital for water resources, supporting agriculture, wildlife and numerous communities.
To ensure sustainability in this part of the world, youth are already taking the lead in protecting and managing water resources through their active involvement in Water Resource Users Associations (WRUAs).
Why the role of the youth towards resource management is vital
These youth ambassadors say the role of the youth towards resource management is essential to protect this ecosystem. They exude confidence that they have an opportunity to develop a sub-catchment management plan.
“My message that I would want to pass to my fellow youth is that let us volunteer, let us campaign and let us advocate for water sustainability,” says Mercy Mwenda, Coordinator representing the youth in Upper Ewaso Ng’iro North.
The Upper Ewaso Ng’iro Basin encompasses 15,200 square kilometres, originating from Mount Kenya’s glaciers, ensuring a continuous water supply. This upper basin is part of a larger 210,000 sq km area, approximately 36% of Kenya.
The population density within this larger area is quite low, around 20 persons per square kilometre. The basin extends from the slopes of Mount Kenya, traversing the Laikipia Plateau, and reaching the arid rangelands of northern Kenya.
What Ewaso Ng’iro River Basin means to the Mount Kenya region
On his part, John Kang’ethe from Lake Water Resource Users Association, coordinator for Upper Ewaso Ng’iro observed that the youth should use everything at their disposal to protect this water basin.
“My message to the youth is that your passion, your freshness and your innovation are required to solve the vital challenge that we are facing, which is the water crisis,” stated Kang’ethe.
The Ewaso Ng’iro River Basin contains significant levels of biodiversity. By some estimates, there are over 95 species of mammals, 550 species of birds, 85 species of amphibians and reptiles, 1,000 species of invertebrates and 700 species of plants in the area.31 The River Basin is a stronghold for several species of conservation interest.
The slopes of Mount Kenya and Laikipia Plateau host 4 threatened bird species and 6 threatened mammal species, including the African elephant, black rhino, leopard, giant forest hog, bongo, and black-fronted duiker.
Kenya’s rarer northern species can be found in the lowlands, including the oryx, gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich and Grevy’s zebra. Both the Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List.
