Abstract
Water is an essential element in the existence of animal and plant life. Needless to say, rapid population growth across the globe and technological advancement in socio-economic development imposes great pressure on water resources the world over. Therefore, water security is a global concern in recent times. This study focuses on urban water security in Nairobi city. The paper seeks to find out whether sufficient (quantity and quality) freshwater is available at the Tana River basin for supply to Nairobi city. The Nairobi water and Sewerage Company receives 94% of its water from the Tana River basin north of the city through three reservoirs: Sasumua Dam on the Chania River, Thika and Chania-B Dams. The company whose mandate is to supply water relies almost exclusively on surface water to satisfy the growing city’s water needs. Surface water supply for Nairobi stood at 484,500 m3/day in 2010. The water available to the city has plummeted. Nairobi’s water company is distributing 400,000 cubic metres a day, 150,000 less than it used to and 350,000 less than the city needs; 60 % of the population lacks reliable water. Literatures demonstrate that water security has multiple definitions depending on the definition of human and/or environmental need. The key elements of water security are water access, water safety and water affordability. Investing in water, wastewater management and protecting watersheds will lead to increased levels of human health, reduced levels of poverty and increased education and employment opportunities, resulting in overall sustainable national development.
Presenters
Eden SahleLawyer/Public Relations Specialist, Human Projects International Maulline Gragau
Lawyer/Legislation Content Consultant & Editor, Laws Africa, South Africa
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Economic, Social, and Cultural Context
KEYWORDS
Water Security sustainable development
