2020 - Andako Hezron Kubondo

WATERSHED MANAGEMENT
A83/5703/2020-Andako Hezron Kubondo
Analyzing the Nairobi River using the DPSIR framework
A map of Nairobi including Nairobi River Basin
Driving forces:
The factors that influence the state of the Nairobi River include:
- Growth of population and urbanization that has led to increase in pollution and waste
generation.
- Industrial and agricultural activities contributing to chemical pollution and runoff.
Pollution of Nairobi River

- Deforestation and land-use changes affecting the river's hydrological patterns.
- Inadequate solid waste management and sanitation practices.
Pressures:
the specific pressures affecting the Nairobi River resulting from the driving forces:
- Discharge of untreated or poorly treated domestic and industrial wastewater.
- Contamination from agricultural runoff, including pesticides and fertilizers.

- Solid waste accumulation, including plastics and other debris.
- Encroachment and illegal structures along the riverbanks.
State:
Assess the current state of the Nairobi River concerning physical, chemical, and biological
conditions:
- Water pollution, including high levels of heavy metals, pathogens, and oxygen depletion.
- Degradation of aquatic habitats and loss of biodiversity.
- Erosion and sedimentation leading to changes in river morphology.
- Reduction in water flow due to abstractions and alterations in natural drainage patterns.
ns. Temperature and pH were significantly higher in dry season recording 22.97±0.20C and
34
8.16±0.04 respectively (n=36, p<0.05). Turbidity, DO, TSS and nitrates were all significantly
higher in wet season. Recorded results were Turbidity 98.59±13.34NTU; DO 6.64±0.31mg/L;
TSS
103.33±12.43mg/L; Nitrates 12.16±1.88mg/L (n=36, p< 0.05).
Impacts:
Examine the impacts resulting from the pressures on the Nairobi River:
- Threat to human health due to contaminated water and exposure to pollution.
- Decline in aquatic biodiversity and loss of sensitive species.
- Degradation of ecosystem services provided by the river, such as water supply and flood
regulation.
- Negative effects on tourism, recreational activities, and aesthetic value.
. Responses:
Evaluate the existing responses and management practices addressing the issues in the
Nairobi River, including:
- Legal and policy frameworks aimed at water quality management and pollution control.
- Efforts to improve wastewater treatment and solid waste management systems.
- Initiatives promoting awareness and stakeholder engagement for river restoration.

- Restoration and conservation projects focused on improving water quality and enhancing
biodiversity.
1. Wastewater treatment: Implementing or improving wastewater treatment facilities to treat

domestic, industrial, and agricultural wastewater before it is discharged into the river. This helps
reduce the influx of pollutants and contaminants into the Nairobi River.
2. Solid waste management: Establishing effective solid waste management systems to

minimize the amount of waste that ends up in the river. This can involve implementing recycling
programs, encouraging waste segregation, and ensuring proper disposal of solid waste.
3. Regulatory measures: Enforcing regulations and laws related to water quality, pollution
control, and land-use practices. This includes monitoring and penalizing activities that contribute
to river pollution or encroachment on riverbanks.
4. Community engagement and awareness: Engaging local communities in river conservation

efforts through awareness campaigns, education programs, and involvement in clean-up
initiatives. This helps in fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the Nairobi
River.
5. Restoration and conservation projects: Undertaking restoration projects to improve the

ecological health of the Nairobi River. This may involve activities like riparian zone restoration,
reforestation, aquatic habitat improvement, and biodiversity conservation efforts.
6. Stakeholder collaboration: Encouraging collaboration among various stakeholders, including

government agencies, NGOs, local communities, and businesses. This fosters coordination,
knowledge sharing, and joint efforts to address the challenges facing the Nairobi River.
It's important to note that the effectiveness of these responses and management practices
depends on various factors, including proper implementation, enforcement, and ongoing
monitoring to ensure long-term sustainability.
Based on the analysis, conclusions and recommendations can be drawn to enhance the
sustainable management of the Nairobi River. Recommendations might include improving
wastewater treatment infrastructure, implementing stricter regulations and enforcement,
adopting sustainable land-use practices, and increasing community involvement in river
conservation and restoration efforts.

2020 - Andako Hezron Kubondo

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2020 - Andako Hezron Kubondo

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WATERSHED MANAGEMENT

A83/5703/2020-Andako Hezron Kubondo

Analyzing the Nairobi River using the DPSIR framework

A map of Nairobi including Nairobi River Basin

Pollution of Nairobi River

- Contamination from agricultural runoff, including pesticides and fertilizers.

- Initiatives promoting awareness and stakeholder engagement for river restoration.

1. Wastewater treatment: Implementing or improving wastewater treatment facilities to treat

2. Solid waste management: Establishing effective solid waste management systems to

4. Community engagement and awareness: Engaging local communities in river conservation

5. Restoration and conservation projects: Undertaking restoration projects to improve the

6. Stakeholder collaboration: Encouraging collaboration among various stakeholders, including

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