Lack of Data for Manguo

Written by: Hussein Waiyaki

Manguo swamp, which was once a thriving habitat featuring over 50 species of birds, hippos, and a crucial clean water source for local communities, is now on the brink of deterioration. 

 Currently, Manguo remains a refuge for various bird species. Additionally, it is one of the designated groundwater sources according to The Water Act in Kenya. Drilled by a private company, Manguo provides clean water to the residents of Limuru and surrounding areas. Its abundance of rare birds, along with its prime location along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway, makes it a notable ecotourism destination. 

Nonetheless, the wetlands are adversely affected by human activities. Encroachment, plastic waste disposal, and other activities are degrading the area. But why are these actions destroying a beautiful swamp that serves the community? A major issue is the lack of precise data to monitor and assess the swamp’s importance. This absence of information has hindered the development of clear strategies for governmental agencies tasked with managing and safeguarding the wetland. For example, this diverse ecosystem requires multiple organizational collaborations, such as The Kenya Wildlife Service, which oversees the wildlife in the area, The National Environment Management Authority, responsible for environmental health, and The Water Resource Management Authority, which manages the groundwater. Yet, none of these organizations possesses comprehensive data about their responsibilities. 

For example, if you were to question the KWS about the current number of bird species present in the swamp and their protective measures, they would struggle to provide an answer. Why is that? They do not have an effective data collection system to stay updated and organized, hindering their ability to track, monitor, and formulate sustainability plans. 

Similarly, if you inquired with the Water Resources Management Authority regarding the volume of water extracted from the swamp and their mitigation strategies, they would also be unable to offer a satisfactory response. The absence of a robust data collection method leads to inefficiencies in operations by the respective government agencies, resulting in local communities being uninformed about the swamp's significance and essentiality. This lack of awareness breeds ignorance.

 To address the challenges facing Manguo, it's crucial to focus on improving data collection. Accurate data will facilitate tracking, monitoring, and the development of sustainable solutions. In this age of technology and internet advancements, creating a tracking mechanism, such as software or an app, to keep authorities informed about Manguo is both feasible and essential for restoring, securing, and preserving the once-thriving ecosystem.