Michuki picks team to profile water catchments

By Evelyn Kwamboka

Environment Minister John Michuki has appointed a taskforce to develop a master plan for the conservation of water catchments.

The taskforce, expected to operate for six months, is to identify and document all water catchment areas.

"They will identify, map and document water catchment areas including those that have ceased to be catchments," the minister said.

In a gazette notice, Michuki said the team, which comprises 21 members, will also study existing legislation, policies and other relevant documents regarding the management of water catchment areas and identify gaps.

environmental status

Those appointed are Mau Forest Interim Coordinating Secretariat chairman Hassan Noor Hassan, Michael Gachanja, Esther Kathure Magambo, Esther Ndirangu, Henry Njuguna, William O Ogola, Zaverio Njeru, Beatrice Manyonge, Raphael Mwatha, Erastus Wahome, Lornah Akoth Odero, Anne Nyakihu Mukoma and Franscisca Wamboi.

Others are Esau Omollo, Peter Mule Makau, Esther Muiruri, Prof Moses Imo, Dr Joy Obando, Dr Helida Oyieko and Francis N Gachathi.

Mr Michuki said he appointed the taskforce as per the Environment Management and Coordinating Act (1999).

The team and its secretary Alice Kaudia is also expected to document the environmental status of each water catchment area.

The secretariat of the taskforce will be situated at the National Hospital Insurance Fund Building in Nairobi.