Kenya Water Crisis
Water crisis in Kenya
Ygnacia Bradford
October 12, 2010 An increasingly serious drought continues to plague the county of Kenya effecting the environment and numerous ways.
The Population, Health Risks & Disease
The typical day for a rural Kenyan family, usually children, who should otherwise be in school, walk several miles to search for water to provide for the family for cleaning, and food preparation. Most times the water is dirty, not treated or which is contaminated by surface soil and feces from the livestock. It is also not nearly enough to provide for a family which needs 120 liters a day
Poor planning, mismanagement and lack of technical skills have led to constant water shortages in a place otherwise endowed with enough water resources. As a result of poor or lack of treatment by the water departments, the water being consumed is raw and contaminated. And according to Hydro Watch, a Non-Governmental Organization dealing with water and sanitation in Kenya, ten people die every day as a result of contaminated water consumption in the country, mostly children who are often caught drawing water from leaking sewages. Many go days without bathing because the cost of water is so high, more than food. And the need for food is greater for consumption and agriculture. Kenya is limited by an annual renewable fresh water supply of only 647 cubic meters per capita, and is classified as a water scarce country.[1] Only 57 percent of the rural population has access to an improved drinking water source[2], and the time consuming pursuit of water collection prevents women from taking up income generating activities, for children, prevents them from attending school
In Nairobi, water trades at 20 shillings for a 20-litre jerry- can. Most families live below the poverty line and cannot afford it. Water crisis in the city has made it a profitable business for those who sell water. Some traders have drilled deep boreholes from where they draw water
Ygnacia Bradford
October 12, 2010 An increasingly serious drought continues to plague the county of Kenya effecting the environment and numerous ways.
The Population, Health Risks & Disease
The typical day for a rural Kenyan family, usually children, who should otherwise be in school, walk several miles to search for water to provide for the family for cleaning, and food preparation. Most times the water is dirty, not treated or which is contaminated by surface soil and feces from the livestock. It is also not nearly enough to provide for a family which needs 120 liters a day
Poor planning, mismanagement and lack of technical skills have led to constant water shortages in a place otherwise endowed with enough water resources. As a result of poor or lack of treatment by the water departments, the water being consumed is raw and contaminated. And according to Hydro Watch, a Non-Governmental Organization dealing with water and sanitation in Kenya, ten people die every day as a result of contaminated water consumption in the country, mostly children who are often caught drawing water from leaking sewages. Many go days without bathing because the cost of water is so high, more than food. And the need for food is greater for consumption and agriculture. Kenya is limited by an annual renewable fresh water supply of only 647 cubic meters per capita, and is classified as a water scarce country.[1] Only 57 percent of the rural population has access to an improved drinking water source[2], and the time consuming pursuit of water collection prevents women from taking up income generating activities, for children, prevents them from attending school
In Nairobi, water trades at 20 shillings for a 20-litre jerry- can. Most families live below the poverty line and cannot afford it. Water crisis in the city has made it a profitable business for those who sell water. Some traders have drilled deep boreholes from where they draw water