ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION AND WATER QUALITY IN SOUTHERN VIHIGA HILLS.

Abstract

Southern Vihiga hills present a case of an intriguing history of land degradation in Kenya that has over the years defied all efforts to address. In 1957, as a measure to curb environmental degradation in southern Vihiga, the colonial government through the legal notice number 266 of the Kenya gazette supplement number 28 established Maragoli
Hills Forest without the acceptance by the local communities. The forest was over time degraded, and completely destroyed in 1990s. Efforts to rehabilitate the forest have continually been frustrated by the local community. The study set out to determine the extent of environmental degradation; and establish water quality in streams originating southern Vihiga hills. Data for the study was collected using GPS surveys; photography; high temporal resolution satellite imagery; and interviews. Data on environmental degradation was analyzed through ArcGIS 10.3.1. Analysis of biological and physiochemical parameters of water was undertaken at the government chemist in Kisumu. The study found total loss of forest cover on Edibwongo Hill (Maragoli forest), with extensive areas of bare surfaces, and gulleys. The study also found very high population of Coliform and E.Coli in water in all the three streams sampled in both dry and wet seasons; and very high turbidity; water color; and iron (Fe) concentrations in water from the sampled streams. The study recommended adoption of incentive based strategy, use of environmental co-operatives in rehabilitation of Maragoli forest, and prioritization of water treatment and supply in southern Vihiga to reduce direct consumption of water form streams, which could pose a threat to life and health.