The famous Fourteen Falls, described as one of Kenya’s most spectacular landmarks, East-southeast of Thika city, Kenya. just across the Athi River, Athi-Galana-Sabaki River is the second longest river in Kenya (after the Tana River). It has a total length of 390 km enters the Indian Ocean
However, heavy pollution of Athi River, where the site lies— with raw sewage and industrial effluent flowing downstream— has made the once much-envied site a no-go-zone. Recent visit to the site reveals a pungent odour emanating from the black, murky waters could be smelt nearly a kilometre away.
Tour guides at the once famous wonder of nature site are the most affected by the pollution as it’s their only source of income.
The escorts say factories located in Nairobi county are to blame for the toxic waste contaminating the river.
Fourteen Falls Youth Group led by their chairman, Peter Njoroge, says pollution of the river has rendered over 200 youths who depended on the falls for income jobless, as the number of tourists has significantly reduced. “Foreign tourists no longer visit this place,” he said.
Before the river got too dirty, the site used to receive more than 1,000 visitors daily and business was booming. “We now receive 50 guests or less and this has killed our business,” said Njoroge.
He said local tourists who include school children, students, church groups as well as corporates have stopped touring the site.
“The odour from the water is choking and no one could stay here for more than an hour,” he noted. “Nyama choma parties and team building functions are no longer tenable. This site is now on its deathbed,” Njoroge declares