22^nd March 2019, marked the World Water Day with the theme ‘Leaving no one behind’.  This was adopted as a step towards realizing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: as sustainable development progresses, everyone must benefit. Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) includes a target to ensure availability and sustainable management of water for all by 2030- therefore no one should be left behind.

The Irony

According to a report by the United Nations, billions of people today are still leaving without safe water- their households, schools, workplaces, farms, and factories are struggling to survive and thrive. Marginalized groups- women, children, refugees, indigenous people, and many others- are often overlooked and sometimes face discrimination, as they try to access and manage the safe water they need. Women and children, who are the collectors of water have to travel for long distances to access water at least for drinking. This takes up much of their time that could be utilized in economic growth.

Water should be safe for drinking and accessible to all. It is should be free from pollution and contamination. Drinking water keeps us healthy. We can never imagine just by increasing our water intake, we gain tremendous health benefits, and sometimes we can even throw away our migraine medicine or pain killer.

Whoever you are, wherever you are, water is your human right. Access to water underpins public health and is therefore critical to sustainable development and a stable and prosperous world. We cannot move forward as a global society while so many people are living without safe water.

In 2010, the UN recognized the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation as a human right that is essential for the full enjoyment of life and all human rights. The human right to water entitles everyone, without discrimination, to sufficient, safe, acceptable, physically and affordable water for personal and domestic use; which includes water for drinking, personal sanitation, washing of clothes, food preparation and personal and household hygiene.

What we do not know.

As much as water is a human right that every individual need to have access to, 2.1 billion people live without safe water at home. In Kenya for instance, people in the Northern part of the country-Turkana, Marsabit, Wajir- suffer severe drought each year. Although the UN declared the country water scarce, these areas suffer the most impacts.

One in four primary schools has no drinking water service with pupils using unprotected sources or going thirsty. Education is one of the key tools for breaking the cycle of poverty and yet over half of the world’s schools lack access to safe water and sanitation. Lack of clean water has serious effects on students’ academic performance and attendance rates.

A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that more than 700 children under five years of age die every day from diarrhea linked to unsafe water and poor sanitation. The poor and marginalized communities in Africa have been most affected by the burden of diseases associated with poor sanitation.

Globally, 80 percent of the people who have to use unsafe and unprotected water sources live in rural areas. Rural areas have poor access to readily accessible drinking water. Availability of water in these areas, however, suffer the risks of contamination due to several factors. Improper maintenance of water sanitation facilities is high in rural areas due to limited financial resources.

Women and girls are responsible for water collection in eight out of ten households with water off premises. They lose a lot of hours carrying most of the world’s water. Collecting water takes time. Atypical African set up has put this responsibility on girls and women which a representation of lost opportunities for women’s employment, education, leisure, and sleep.

Around 159 million people collect their drinking water from surface water, such as ponds and streams. These sources are polluted and the water is mostly contaminated posing a risk to their health. Most of them get sick and spent a lot of financial costs at healthcare facilities while depreciating their economic value.

Around 4 billion people- nearly two-thirds of the world’s population- experience severe water scarcity at least one month of the year. These pose a severe health threat. The world faces an unprecedented crisis in water resources management, with profound implications for global food security, protection of human health, and maintenance of all ecosystems on Earth. Increased efforts will be needed to plan and manage water supplies in the future, through increased monitoring and understanding of the interrelationships between population size, climate change, and water availability in order to bring about water security.

Cars and vehicles have become a very important mobility option. Gone are the days when cars and vehicles were viewed as a luxury as a majority could not afford them nowadays cars are a basic need. In order to meet this ‘basic need’ second-hand cars are flocking a majority of developing countries in Africa. In Nairobi, Kenya the transport sector is growing every single day. With these growths the rise in importation if second-hand cars are off the charts.

Developing countries, in a bid, to change and transform their transportation sector, electric, driverless cars were introduced. A display of these vehicles was witnessed in a conference held in Washington D.C. in contrast, a majority of Africans are more likely to own second-hand cars which are gas-belching and come from these developed countries. The developed countries have found a short term solution to pollution by displacing their problems and as Africans, we have openly accepted the invitation of receiving second-hand cars.

Africa’s number of second hand imported cars exceeds the number of importation of first-hand cars. Out of all the cars imported to the Kenyan soil, a majority are second-hand vehicles either from Dubai or Japan. Experts predict that the number of vehicles in developing countries is likely to scale higher by four or five times by the year 2050.

These cars offer an easy and affordable way for the mobility of people in developing countries which can be viewed as a positive impact to the economy as gross domestic product increases as a result of the demand and the sales made. However, considering all perspectives including the effects second-hand cars have on sustainability it is wise to say that sometimes the grass is greener because it is fake.

Some countries however such as South Africa and Sudan do not pave way for the importation of second-hand cars. Maybe because they are well aware of the health risks involved as these vehicles belch their toxic gas into the atmosphere.

Health is a crucial area of focus on the sustainable development goals agenda. Second-hand cars cause more harm than good to the health of a population. Respiratory conditions are caused as a result of inhaling the polluted air.

Air is polluted through the release of particulate matter into the air and people inhale it. The particulate matter is present in the gases released by the second-hand cars.  Conditions caused by respiratory problems lead to more expenses incurred in the health sector. Imagine a situation where a poor Kenyan, who walks to the capital every day inhales the particulate matter from second-hand cars. The particulate matter enters the bloodstream through the lungs. Chances are his condition will prompt him to take some time off work. If admitted in hospital the bills are likely to scale higher and effects felt by the exchequer.

Study shows that pollution from these vehicles causes pre-mature deaths of seven million yearly. Older cars are said to emit more particulate matter. Kenya’s age limit of importation of second-hand cars is eight years.  Logically speaking, this car is likely to be driven for about twenty years. The environmental hazard caused during that period of time is higher and the health effects worse. Older cars fail to meet road standards in most instances and a majority cause road accidents. Getting spare parts of these vehicles proves to be a challenge in most instances.

There is a need to control and regulate the second-hand injection into the country. These regulations will solve one piece of the development puzzle and the environmental puzzle as well.  Kenya is a step forward in solving the second-hand car menace. In mid-2018, the cabinet secretary for industrialization, Adan Mohammed, issued an initiative by the government to block the sale of all vehicles above, five years. This was an aim meant to reduce the hazardous effects of second-hand cars. In January 2019, industry, trade and cooperatives cabinet secretary, Peter Munya wrote a letter to KEBS. He urged the government body to come up with regulations surrounding the importation of second-hand cars as well as the age limit of these cars.

Part of the letter cited the government’s commitment to reviewing the age limit of imported second-hand cars from eight to five and the development of a national automotive policy framework. These effective measures are set to take place in July of 2019. These measures are yet to take place but identification of the effects of second-hand cars is a huge milestone in addition to taking an initiative.

Regulation of vehicles as they enter the country, however, is not enough. Second-hand cars need to be controlled as they are used in the country from time to time. This will ensure that there is minimal pollution as the years go by as some are used for a long period of time. Hopefully, the Kenyan government will see to it that second-hand car effects have reduced as it has been the case in South Africa and Sudan.

When rivers are dry and trees cut down, man will come to terms with the reality that he cannot eat money. One of the world’s important finite sources is slowly fading out. A report by the United Nation in 2014 indicated that 40 billion tons of sand are extracted every year. In the heart of Kenya, construction of skyscraper buildings is on the rise. The construction industry is booming as a result of urbanization and population growth. The demand for sand used for construction has therefore scaled upwards. The results, widespread ecological devastation.

Major areas in Kenya that experience sand harvesting in Kenya includes Machakos, Kajiado, Kitui, and Makueni. In 2007, the National Environment Management Authority of Kenya (NEMA) came up with guidelines to control illegal sand harvesting. These included issuance of licenses to sand miners. However, from time to time there is news of miners dying in sand harvesting places as a result of illegal harvesting.

Kivou River, in Mwingi, was once a key source of water and farming to about six thousand but it is now been drenched to its bed. The miners have extended their mining to farms around the river areas. Farmers with land adjacent to the rivers have been hit hard by this illegal activity that poses a threat to food security. To curb this NEMA needs to reinforce and issue a limit to the amount of sand harvested in a day by a single harvester.

Why is it hard to control sand harvesting?

What makes it hard to curb sand harvesting in Kenya revolves around a number of factors. Population growth in Kenya is expected to rise to about 95 million by the year 2050 and 156 million at the start of the 22nd century. Currently, the population is at around 46 million. The increase in population causes a need for housing. Many people are investing in the real estate sector thus taking part in sand harvesting to foresee construction.

Corruption also plays a key role in derailing the implementation of guidelines by NEMA. Kenya was ranked third globally in terms of corruption through a survey conducted by Pricewater Coopers in 2016. This has seen sand miners with no licenses get inclusion in this environmental hazard activity. Officials who receive bribes choose to overlook illegal sand harvesting.

Lack of employment in Kenya is an old problem particularly affecting the youth. Most have sort to venture in the sand harvesting business. Desperation for survival means has seen them turn to quick money making. However, they make low wages from this as compared to the toll it has on the environment. “Ukambani” regions are already struggling to get drinking water. People walk for about four kilometers before getting a water source. Creation of better-paying jobs by the government will help in the reduction of illegal sand harvesting.

Is it worth it?

The effects range from land degradation, poor health care, drought and depletion of natural resources. Sand from West Pokot, for example, is considered to be of high quality. Its harvesting has led to the formation of gullies on lands. However, West Pokot has learned from the restoration of degraded land in Ethiopia. Through awareness by the community, harvesting of sand is not allowed in areas with sand dams. Involving youth groups has helped curb soil erosion.

Where water runs off in sand dams, has seen the creation of sand dams to avoid carrying the sand away. It also holds the topsoil. The community holds the sand by constructing a stone modeled dam constructed by a mason assisted by some community members. Terracing in individual farms has also been embraced. This helps in creating micro-catchments which create moisture and create an environment for grass and tree growth. The practice of settled agriculture has also been embraced to ensure productivity.

School attendance by children is affected by sand harvesting as the paths used have dropped off steeply. Moreover, most children from poverty-stricken homes prefer participating in sand harvesting to earn a living. To combat this, new laws should be implemented pertaining to school attendance. Parents should be put on the spotlight if they fail to send their children to school. Awareness through talks should be carried out in the community and members involved in ensuring children attend school.

Miners’ health is at risk and they are not aware of it. Water contains impurities and chemicals. Since sand harvesting involves getting into the water, chemicals are absorbed by the body and accumulate in a period of time posing a threat to health. In addition to that, the low wages earned from sand harvesting do not allow the miners to seek medical services.

Is there another way?

Banning sand harvesting in these counties will not restore degraded land as the question of sustainability still remains. Sustainable sand mining is only going to be possible if there is a balance between quantities extracted and quantities replaced naturally. The fact that demand for housing is here to stay, other construction techniques should be used if we are to prevent a loss in biodiversity. In most developed countries recycling of construction materials is a common trend. In 2014, the UK saw nearly a third of housing materials come from recycled resources. These include the use of straw and mud in construction which supplement the use of concrete.

Tree planting should also be encouraged in these areas so at to trap rainfall and restore the water catchment areas that are dying slowly. NEMA should team up with local communities to prevent this environmental hazard activity as everyone is affected. Most people are not aware of future consequences.

Kenya is a drought-prone country, primarily because of its peculiar eco-climatic conditions. Although dissected by the equator in its southern hemisphere, Kenya contains only a few pockets of high and regular rainfall. 80 percent of the land cover is Arid and semi-arid (ASALs). Annual rainfall in these areas varies from 200-500 mm. Periodical droughts dominate the climate system in the area.

Communities living in these ASALs have a good understanding of drought and have developed techniques to characterize major events. Research by Oxfam, reveals that the Turkana, a nomadic community in northwestern Kenya, has for the longest time adapted to the effects of drought.

Drought is one of the hurdles that may prevent Kenya from achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially those related to poverty, food security and education as well as environmental sustainability (SDG No. 1, 2, 3 respectively). While geography and climate largely explain Kenya’s exposure to drought, the root cause of the country’s vulnerability is its dependence on rainfall for its economic and social development. Agriculture- the backbone of the economy- is almost entirely rain-fed. Most water for human consumption and other uses is derived from rivers and streams whose recharge is dependent on rainfall.

Kenya’s per capita water availability -684 cubic meters- is one of the lowest in Africa. The situation is expected to get worse due to exponential population growth and rampant effects of climate change. Access to clean water is already a problem in many areas including the capital-Nairobi. However, the greater concern is that the Kenyan economy runs on hydropower and lack of water could reduce development hence lowering the country’s GDP.

The impact of climate-related disasters varies across different Kenyan communities. The most vulnerable are the rural poor who depend on agriculture and livestock for their livelihood.

Recurrent droughts in Kenya have accelerated poverty and food insecurity among dryland communities. As a result, a range of social problems- dismantling of family ties, child abandonment, and school dropout-have increased tremendously. These problems have far-reaching implications of the country’s development. Effect of drought on the environment cannot be over-emphasized. Desertification and loss of biological diversity are some of the challenges of the 21^st century, and Kenya is not spared by these phenomena.

Communities living in drought prone areas such as drylands in the Northern part of Kenya, are greatly impacted by these climatic hazards. Loss of both human and animal life, food insecurity, poverty and poor sanitation are just some of the most experienced effects of this menace.

Adaptation is a long-term process that entails socioeconomic and institutional adjustments to sustain livelihoods in a changing environment. Pastoralists have traditionally relied on strategic movement of livestock to manage pasture and water resources and splitting of stock among relatives and friends in various places. They introduce new livestock species (for example goats) that are more adapted to drought and practice opportunistic cultivation to adapt to changes. Other options include small trade, handicraft and migration to more favorable areas.

The crisis in the country is prevailing in the Northern Kenya and communities are faced with a new situation that they cannot cope with. The adaptation measures are short-lived and not sustainable. Drought on the other hand are becoming more and more frequent. Victims have no time to recover hence become more vulnerable.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that Kenya’s dryland will be even drier in the coming years. It further states that the ASAL population is increasing both due to natural growth and immigration from other counties. The last census found that almost 10 million people inhabit the area- a quarter of Kenya’s population. This only means two things: A higher number of people are being exposed to climatic risks; increased competition for scarce resources accelerates environmental degradation, which in turn increases the communities’ vulnerability to drought.

Most people view drought as an event rather than a process, which explains how international community responds – distributing relief food to stricken communities. What we do not know is that this response mechanism is not sustainable. It tends to keep the affected community in a state of absolute dependency and utilization of more resources without really solving the real problem. A report by Red-Cross indicates that during the 2000/2001 fiscal year, Kenya spent 140 million dollars on relief food. It is argued that with a quarter of this amount, the country could have put in place much more sustainable systems to address the long-term food insecurity in ASALs.

Nevertheless, there is something quite disturbing with the country’s leadership when it comes to tackling drought. The famine in 2005 was a crisis that needed to be addressed urgently yet most leaders prioritized a referendum to adapt a new constitution which was later rejected by the population. After months of campaign and ignorance of the real issue, over two and half million people were in need of food. Had it not been the efforts of some casualties and compelling media reports for the Kenyan authorities to declare a national disaster, most people would have lost their lives during the process. Thanks to the generosity of the Kenyan population and international fraternity, a major humanitarian crisis was averted.

According to Meteorological department, Kenya will suffer intense and frequent droughts in the future. This will affect many of the country’s development aspirations. The war against drought need to be fought on several fronts. Eradication of famine and malnutrition in the drylands should be given priority.

Providing ASALs with basic infrastructure- roads, water, and education and health amenities- is paramount. It is both humanitarian and a matter of equity and justice.