Red Flag Raised over Discharge of Raw Sewage into Nairobi National Park

A lobby group has raised the red flag over the continued discharge of raw sewage into the Nairobi National Park.

Friends of Nairobi National Park (FoNNaP) wrote to the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) expressing fears that the discharge could affect the health of animals in the park.

The conservation group said the sewer is flowing into a wetland that supplies water to Hyena Dam, a major source of water for animals in the lower part of the park. Water from the wetlands flows into River Athi.

“We request Nema to act to kindly act rapidly, working together with the Kenya Wildlife Service to avoid further environmental pollution that is already having a negative toxic effect on the animals and plants within the Nairobi National Park,” FoNNaP stated.

The matter was first brought into light by Nairobi-based Italian photographer Paolo Torchio.

“Nairobi National Park. Stinking like hell. Unreal colors, water green like pea soup. Brilliant blue foam. This is the corner at the entrance of the Hyena dam! What is happening? Torchio said.
 
“Why are the competent authorities blind? Hippos, crocodiles, and birds are living inside cesspool but no action is taken. It was hard to breathe while taking those photos.”

Nema has since dispatched a team to the site to assess the situation.

Nairobi National Park, which covers an area of 117.21 km2 is home to the big five game animals and hosts over 400 migratory birds.