Mathare River

Mathare River is a significant watercourse in Nairobi, Kenya, flowing through the Mathare Valley and playing a crucial role in the city's ecosystem. The river is surrounded by slums such as Mathare Slum and Korogocho Slum, which are home to thousands of people, including Kofi Annan's UN-Habitat project beneficiaries. The river's proximity to Nairobi National Park and Karura Forest makes it an important part of the city's biodiversity, with species like the Nairobi River tilapia and African clawed frog inhabiting its waters. The river also flows near the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University, which have conducted research on its water quality and hydrology.

Geography

The Mathare River is situated in the Eastern Rift Valley, near the Aberdare Range and Mount Kenya, and its geography is characterized by a mix of volcanic rocks and sedimentary deposits. The river's catchment area includes parts of Kiambu County and Nairobi County, with the Githunguri and Kiambu towns located nearby. The river's terrain is also influenced by the Ngong Hills and Kijabe Hills, which are part of the Eastern Rift Valley's geological features. The Kenya Meteorological Department has studied the river's climate and weather patterns, which are affected by the Indian Ocean and Lake Victoria.

Course

The Mathare River originates from the Aberdare Mountains and flows through the Mathare Valley before emptying into the Nairobi River, which is a tributary of the Athi River. The river's course takes it through the Kasarani and Dandora estates, where it is joined by several tributaries, including the Kamiti River and Gatharaini River. The river then flows near the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the Wilson Airport, before passing through the Industrial Area of Nairobi. The river's course is also influenced by the Kenya Railways Corporation and the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company, which have infrastructure along its banks.

Hydrology

The Mathare River's hydrology is characterized by a mix of surface water and groundwater flows, with the river's water level varying depending on the rainfall and evaporation rates. The river's catchment area includes several wetlands, such as the Kasarani Wetlands and the Dandora Wetlands, which help to regulate its water flow. The Kenya Water Towers Agency has studied the river's hydrological cycle, which is affected by the climate change and land use changes in the catchment area. The river's water quality is also monitored by the National Environment Management Authority and the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics.

Environmental Concerns

The Mathare River faces several environmental concerns, including pollution from industrial effluent and domestic waste, which affects the river's ecosystem and the health of the people living nearby. The river is also affected by deforestation and land degradation in its catchment area, which increases the risk of flooding and erosion. The Green Belt and Road Initiative and the United Nations Environment Programme have launched initiatives to restore the river's ecosystem and promote sustainable development in the catchment area. The Kenya Forest Service and the Kenya Wildlife Service are also working to protect the river's biodiversity and ecological integrity.

Human Settlements

The Mathare River flows through several human settlements, including the Mathare Slum and the Korogocho Slum, which are home to thousands of people. The river's proximity to Nairobi City and the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport makes it an important part of the city's infrastructure and economy. The Nairobi City County and the Kiambu County governments have launched initiatives to improve the living conditions and sanitation in the slums along the river, with support from organizations like the World Bank and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The African Development Bank and the European Union have also provided funding for projects to improve the river's water quality and ecosystem. Category:Rivers in Kenya