The East Africa Community (EAC) Member States are poised to adopt a unified policy on water quality, with the aim of protecting Lake Victoria and other water bodies in the region. At the 22nd Sectoral Council of Ministers on Lake Victoria Basin (SECOM-LVB) meeting in Kisumu, delegates including Cabinet Ministers and Permanent Secretaries from the seven Member States agreed to initiate the development of a single policy to address water quality issues affecting the region.
The decision to develop a unified policy stems from concerns over the deteriorating water quality in Lake Victoria and other water bodies in the area. Currently, EAC Member States have different water quality policies, which have hindered conservation efforts amidst increasing pollution. Dr. Masinde Bwire, the Executive Secretary of the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC), stated that the Cabinet Ministers have committed to establishing a framework to expedite the development of the policy.
The envisioned policy aims to provide guidance on measures needed to restore the delicate ecosystem of the lake and improve water quality in other water bodies within the region. Dr. Bwire highlighted that once finalized, the policy document, to be adopted by all seven EAC Member States, will be implemented between 2025 and 2050 to address water quality concerns.
LVBC, as an EAC institution tasked with coordinating the sustainable development of the Lake Victoria Basin, will lead efforts to safeguard the water bodies. Dr. Bwire emphasized the severity of the water quality problem in Lake Victoria and stressed the need for substantial resources to implement conservation initiatives.
The meeting was attended by delegates from various EAC Member States, including South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, and Rwanda, demonstrating the collective commitment to regional conservation efforts. Pal Mai Deng, the South Sudan Minister for Water and Irrigation, who chaired the meeting, emphasized the importance of conserving Lake Victoria as a vital resource for the EAC community.
Kenya’s Water Cabinet Secretary, Zachariah Njeru, echoed the sentiment of sustainable management of Lake Victoria, highlighting its significance for blue-economy activities and regional integration efforts. He emphasized the role of the proposed policy in fostering harmony and peaceful coexistence among EAC member states.
