KIKUYU, Kenya
The Water Resource Management Authority has declared Kikuyu Springs a groundwater protection zone (GPZ). A study of the aquifer funded by the World Bank under the National Resource Management Project (NRM) revealed strong indications of ground water vulnerability to microbial and nitrate pollution.
It noted that the springs’ aquifer is dissected by many fault-fractures with high hydraulic conductivity and that a groundwater pollution zone whose radius is directly proportional to the length of the fault-fracture is required.
WRMA has also proposed measures for sustainable management of the Kikuyu Springs Aquifer Catchment. Upon gazzetement, the authority will outline the management procedures, prohibited activities and action to be undertaken to conserve and protect the area and other water resource areas.
The proposed extent of the Groundwater Protection Zone was presented to stakeholders at a workshop held in Kikuyu in November last year. The WRMA invited stakeholders to give comments on the proposed gazettement in the next 30 days.
