Study Warns of Unsafe Drinking Water Sources

A recent study conducted by researchers from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has highlighted the alarming state of drinking water quality in several Kenyan counties, particularly in rural and informal urban settlements. The study found that many households rely on unprotected wells, rivers, and shallow boreholes, which are highly susceptible to contamination from human and animal waste. Microbiological analysis revealed the presence of E. coli, coliform bacteria, and other pathogenic microorganisms in a significant number of water samples, indicating that millions of Kenyans are at risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea.
Health experts warn that the problem is particularly severe in counties with inadequate sanitation infrastructure. For instance, in Kisumu and Turkana, studies show that open defecation and poor waste management contribute to the contamination of community water sources. Children are the most affected, with high rates of diarrheal diseases reported in health facilities serving these areas. Dr. Esther Nyambura, a public health specialist, emphasized that unsafe drinking water is a major contributor to child mortality, accounting for thousands of preventable deaths annually. (the-star.co.ke)
The study also revealed that even water sources previously deemed safe, such as boreholes fitted with hand pumps, are increasingly contaminated due to factors like flooding, poor construction, and lack of routine water quality monitoring. In urban informal settlements, the high density of households and shared water points exacerbates the risk of contamination, particularly during the rainy season when flooding can mix sewage with drinking water.
Experts are calling for urgent interventions to mitigate these risks. Recommended measures include regular water testing, investment in protected water sources, proper sanitation infrastructure, and community education on safe water handling practices. Counties are also urged to collaborate with national agencies and NGOs to implement water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs, particularly targeting schools, healthcare facilities, and rural communities. Without these interventions, Kenya risks a continued cycle of waterborne illnesses that compromise public health and economic development.