Youths who entertain tourists by diving at Fourteen Falls, which lies on the boundary of Machakos and Kiambu counties, have asked polluters to stop contaminating the Athi River.

On Monday, the youths interviewed by AVDelta News said the waste released into the river upstream had led to a sharp decline in tourist numbers.

According to them, rampant pollution of the water has led to a sharp decline of tourists--especially foreign--as well as hampering fishing activities that have been very popular along the river.

"We can tell when the waste is released into the river because the water suddenly turns green and emits a foul smell into the
air. Dead fish float on the water too," said Mr Kamau Mwangi, a diver.

He noted that polluted water from the river--being the only source of water for most of the residents downstream--has caused numerous diseases including cancer, as well as water borne diseases like diarrhea and dysentery.

He said the pollution had also posed a great threat to wildlife along the river.

Another youth, Mr Alex Mutua, said cattle and other animals refuse to drink the water from the river during such times.

"The National Environment Management Authority (Nema) must take urgent measures to prevent further
pollution of the river that has been no doubt a life line for many. They should enforce regulations on safe waste disposal to safeguard the sanctity of this facility and its direct and indirect beneficiaries," Mr Mutua said.

Mr Mutua said the facility is a critical source of sustainable revenue for the two counties and as such, no efforts should be spared
in protecting and promoting the site.

The youths' calls come a day after Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi, while attending a Sunday Mass at IKalaasa Catholic Church in Mwala Constituency, said the county government leadership was extremely concerned about the thousands of residents in Matungulu, Mwala, and Yatta sub-counties who are at high risk of contracting diseases arising from the continued use of the water from the polluted river.

He advised residents to source for domestic water from other seasonal rivers and boreholes as they fast-track plans to sort out the ensuing mess.

“Governor Wavinya Ndeti and I are greatly concerned about the intense pollution of the Athi River which is risking the lives of our people who rely on the water for their livelihoods. Our top priority will be to address the issue of pollution with neighbouring counties and seek partnership with the national government to rehabilitate the river,” Mr Mwangangi said.

He also said governor Ndeti has already initiated talks with the National Government and the governments of Kiambu, Nairobi, and Kajiado which allegedly, are jointly responsible for discharging emissions into the river.

The point is to try to reverse the trend and clean up the water resources.

For many years, pollution of the Athi River has been on the rise and has negatively impacted the downstream communities that depend on the river for livelihood.