Residents raise alarm over drought as rivers dry up in Kirinyaga

The prolonged dry spell has devastated maize and bean crops, leaving many households worried about food security and loss of income. Most families in the affected areas rely heavily on subsistence farming.

In Kiumbu village, residents say they are struggling to access clean water after sections of the Nyamindi River dried up.

“We’re struggling to access water,” said Benson Muthii Machere. “I’ve walked a long distance to fetch this water from the Nyamindi River. It is green and unsafe, and we have to boil the little we get because we have no alternative.”

Peter Kimani, another resident, echoed his sentiments, noting that families are now spending hours each day searching for water for domestic use and livestock.

The drying up of the Nyamindi River has intensified the crisis, forcing residents to appeal to the government for urgent intervention. Irungu Mwangi urged authorities to stop diverting water from the river for irrigation in other areas and instead prioritize the needs of local communities.

“We are asking the government to construct a dam in Mwea East Sub-county. Mwea West has the Rukenya Dam, so it is only fair that Mwea East also gets one,” he said.

Water scarcity is not only affecting agriculture but also daily life and public health. Anthony Munene, also from Kiumbu village, warned of potential health risks if the situation persists.

“If the water problem continues, we may experience outbreaks of diseases, especially with the abundance of mangoes this season,” he said.

Residents in Kangai and Mutithi areas, who largely depend on maize and bean farming, are now calling on the government to prepare relief food supplies.

“We depend on maize and beans, but they have all dried up since the rains stopped,” said Agness Wanjira.

Teresiah Wakuthii emphasized that access to drinking water is the most urgent need.

“We only need water for drinking in the lower parts of Kirinyaga. Farming may have failed, but without clean water, our lives are at risk,” she said.

Residents are now calling for immediate government intervention to address the water crisis and provide support to affected families.