Kenya Lake Victoria Waterkeeper

Coordinator – Leonard Akwany

The Kenya Lake Victoria Waterkeeper is a member of the Waterkeeper Alliance and its mandate is to mobilize individuals, groups, institutions and companies to enable implementation of activities that will lead to a more fishable, swimmable and drinkable Lake Victoria.

It works under the umbrella of the Waterkeeper Alliance which is a global movement is uniting more than 230 Waterkeeper organizations around the world and focusing citizen advocacy on issues that affect our waterways, from pollution to climate change.

Ecofinder Kenya is the not for profit organization in which Kenya Lake Victoria Waterkeeper is housed and it is committed to the promotion of Lake Victoria communities’ participation in ameliorating their Environment, Livelihood and Health. Ecofinder Kenya’s advocacy work has resulted in involvement of locals and other stakeholders in conservation of Lake Victoria and its Wetlands. This work is what Ecofinder Kenya wants to advance through Kenya Lake Victoria Waterkeeper initiative.

Why Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria is shared by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania and is the second largest freshwater lake by area in the World. The lake serves a population of over 30 million people; with 2 million people depending directly and indirectly on the fishing activities as the lake supports Africa’s largest inland fishery. Additionally the lake is crucial for water supply for households and industries. Other imperatives of the lake include biodiversity, climate amelioration, transport corridor, electricity supply and traditional and cultural values. Therefore sustained ecological integrity of the lake is critical for accrued ecosystem services and other socio-economic significance. Thus a concerted effort towards the conservation of Lake Victoria from anthropogenic threats is of essence.

What are some of the threats facing Lake Victoria?

Invasive species
Water pollution
Eutrophication
Fish overharvesting
Deforestation
Wetlands reclamation
Climate change

Kenya Lake Victoria Waterkeeper Activities

Patrolling the watershed as appropriate and necessary.
Conducting routine monitoring and surveillance of the watershed.
Investigating causes of pollution.
Conducting evidence-gathering research on matters affecting the watershed and how to mitigate them.
Undertaking litigation and legal action to protect and restore the watershed within the area of jurisdiction.
Responding to calls of assistance, reporting of pollution cases to community agencies and decision makers.
Challenging and/or supporting decision making that impacts the watershed.
Conducting clean ups and restoration programs.
Providing education, encouraging recreation, and demonstrating community involvement and support.
Papyrus wetlands restoration and conservation
Advocating for watershed protection
Watershed restoration
Enforcement of environmental policies