Residents of Kambiti and neighboring villages in Nyaki West ward are set to benefit from improved access to water after the Meru county government completed the renovation and protection of the Ka Nthitu water spring.
The project, which aims to conserve the water source and ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding communities, was inspected by Meru County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water, Irrigation, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Baptista Muriki.
Speaking during the inspection, Muriki said the visit was part of the county government’s wider efforts to promote protection of water catchment areas, noting that water scarcity remains a challenge in several parts of Meru County.
“We are here today because we want to talk about water catchment protection. In Meru County, we have challenges with water shortages and that’s why it’s good to protect water sources,” said Muriki.
Meru County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water, Irrigation, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Baptista Muriki.Photo by Brian Gitonga
Muriki said the County government moved in to rehabilitate the spring after concerns from residents revealed that the source had been severely affected by erosion.
He noted that runoff water during rainy seasons has been flowing into the spring carrying soil and dirt, which threatens to contaminate and eventually block the water source.
“When we came to this spring, we found that there was so much erosion because dirty water was flowing all over here. That is why we decided to work on renovating and protecting this spring because that erosion would eventually deprive the residents who live here water,” he said.
The County government has since fenced off the area around the spring as part of conservation measures aimed at protecting the water source from further degradation.
Baptista Muriki ( in black suit ) and Nyaki West MCA Mubichi Kirima wash their hands at the newly opened Ka Nthitu Spring. Photo by Brian Gitonga
Muriki said the next step will involve planting indigenous trees within the protected area to strengthen the catchment and help preserve the water source for long-term use.
He also cautioned residents against planting tree species that have been linked to drying up water sources and instead encouraged them to plant indigenous trees that support water conservation.
“What I am asking the people of Meru county is that they should help us in protecting these water catchment areas. But as we do this, let us not plant trees that are being linked to the destruction of water springs such as the eucalyptus tree,” said Muriki.
Muriki further warned residents against encroaching on water catchment areas for activities such as farming, saying such practices accelerate the destruction of water sources.
He also raised concern over the illegal tapping of water from springs, noting that some residents bypass the required procedures and draw water without authorization.
Water, Irrigation, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Chief Officer Mutuma Kang’ote, who accompanied the CECM during the inspection, commended Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia for fostering peace and unity in the County, saying the cooperation between the executive and the County Assembly has made it easier to implement development projects such as water infrastructure across wards.
“ All the work that is going on in Meru County is happening because of the unity of Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia and the County Assembly and other leaders,” said Kang’ote.
Water, Irrigation, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Chief Officer Mutuma Kang’ote speaks to the press.Photo by Brian Gitonga
He noted that protecting water catchment areas remains a key priority for the County government, especially in regions where communities rely heavily on natural springs for domestic water supply.
Nyaki West Member of County Assembly (MCA) Mubichi Kirima welcomed the project, describing it as an important step toward addressing water challenges in the area.
He added that Nyaki West ward is endowed with several natural water springs that have the potential to serve residents for many years if properly protected.
“ This water is going to be used by the residents for many years to come such that the generations that come can even use this water,” said Mubichi.
He noted that poor conservation of water catchment areas has in the past led to water shortages urging the residents to support efforts to protect the sources by avoiding activities that destroy water catchment areas.
Edited by John Majau
