Kenya must get it right now on harnessing key water resources

The writing is on the wall. If Kenya does not address the way it nurtures and harnesses its water resources, the precious commodity will be hard to find in the next 15 years. A global water crisis is looming and is already taking its toll on a number of countries whose water resources cannot match the recharge of the commodity and demands of their ever-growing population. Although global trends indicate water scarcity is not exclusively a Third World challenge, and is likely to trigger a crisis in developed economies such as the US, Kenya is in a precarious position.

The signs are evident. The country is in a food and water crisis because the long rains, which normally start in mid-March, have delayed. Consequently, over 20 counties are staring at famine because of biting drought and the situation can only get worse unless there is sufficient rain. But even if it rains, the country does not seem to be pursuing effective water and sewerage management policies.