Threats to Mt Elgon aquifer and solutions to the challenges

https://nation.africa/kenya/counties/bungoma/wells-and-rivers-run-dry-a…

Threats to Mt Elgon aquifer and solutions to the challenges

Mt Elgon one of the beautiful mountain in Bungoma county There is no secret that Mt Elgon is among Kenya's main water catchment areas and it also lies along the Nile basin and this includes Mt Elgon, Kimilili, Kabuchai and Sirisia constituency of Bungoma county

Deforestation in the area is on the rise each year it is for this reason that many people have been pushing every year to plant more trees in the region but it looks like a drop in the ocean this calls for more sensitisation

The main water tower in Kenya is Mount Kenya, others are Aberdares, Mau complex, Cherengani hills and mount Elgon combined these water catchment areas amount than 2% of the total land area of the country but are still important to Kenya’s economic growth. These water towers are not only an important source of water for most urban areas but are also a source of livelihood to a number of rural residents moreover the towers are vital to Kenya’s economy since they contribute to the countries energy production like (Terem-Nalondo-Chwele Water Supply Project)

This is through provision of underground water that is used at hydropower plants [Terem Hydro Power plant that has two 2.5mw Units ],in addition these tower is a major contributor to the tourism industry and agricultural sectors

Mt Elgon is located on the north of Lake Victoria along the Nile basin and reaches an altitude of 4321 meters above sea level and forms the upper catchment area for two major Rivers that is Nzoia and Takwel River it also provides water to the Malakisi River

Its ecosystem strides across Eastern Uganda and Western Kenya the diversity terrain and dramatic a sense of altitude combined with vagaries of rainfall and weather produces unique vegetation, caves valleys stream and diverse flora and fauna most notably Elgon is home to the mountain elephant.

Unfortunately, with increased deforestation, areas surrounding Mount Elgon have been experiencing rising temperatures and decreased rainfall this poses a major threat to understand water and social-economic activities in the western region of Kenya with regards to water supply for domestic and agricultural uses.