What Are The Largest Rivers In Kenya? : Kenya is located in a country located in East Africa and it is endowed with diverse and complex of several rivers, which play a crucial role in the ecological, social and economic systems in the country. however, Kenya may not be easily recognized for its rivers compared to the other countries in Africa but it boasts several significant water sources which contributes a lot to its rich biodiversity, provide water resources and supports agricultural activities. In addition, in the context below; we will explore more about the largest rivers in Kenya highlighting more about their importance and the challenges that they face. In addition, some of these rivers include;
Tana River.
Tana River is ranked as the longest river in Kenya, which stretches approximately about 1,000 kilometers and it is, originates from the Aberdare Range. This river is also commonly referred to as “Sagana river”. Tana River drains from the Southern and Eastern slopes of Mount Kenya and the eastern slopes of the Aberdare ranges hence making a water source for both rural and urban communities. More so, Tana River is surrounded and dominated with beautiful landscapes, which include other features like; forests, savannah and arid regions.
Tana river helps a lot towards supporting agricultural within this regions due to the fact that its waters are extensively used for irrigation and it contributes into the cultivation of crops such as; sugarcanes, maize, rice and many others. more so, this river has a diverse range of eco systems such as; forests, wetlands among others fostering its biodiversity hence acting as a good natural habitat to various species of animals and plants.
However, despite the significance of this river, it is known to be facing numerous challenges such as; water scarcity, deforestation, water pollution for example some of the human activities such as; industrial processes always lead to the pollution and many other which all happen to be threats. In addition, deforestation is considered as upper catchment areas of the river hence reducing the water retention capacity, which leads to increased sedimentation and the degradation of water quality downstream.
Athi River.
Athi River is known to be the second largest river in the country, which flows for about 390 kilometers covering a total surface area of about 693 square kilometers. this river is also commonly referred to as Mavoko due to the fact that it hosts Mavoko municipal and it is the headquarters of mavoko division. Athi River originates from the Aberdare ranges and Mount Kenya and it is surrounded with stunning landscapes, which include; highland forests, semi-arid regions, savannah, arid regions among others. more so, this river also acts as an essential for agriculture and it supports a range of ecosystems. In addition, just like Tana River, its waters are used for irrigation purposes.
Athi River also acts as good natural habitats to many wildlife due to the fact it includes Athi-kapiti plains, which are homes to diverse species of fauna and flora. However, this river also faces challenges such as; water quality and quantity, industrial processes and untreated sewage contribute a lot towards water pollution hence affecting both aquatic life and the people within the neighbouring communities who usually depend on this river for their water needs.
Ewaso Ng’iro River.
Ewaso Ng’iro River is another significant watercourse in the country, which flows through the northwards, and it is seen as a lifeline to the communities within the arid regions of the northern part hence it provides water for domestic use, irrigation and livestock. More so, Ewaso Ng’iro River helps in supporting pastoralism and the primary livelihood of many communities with in the northern part of Kenya.
Turkwel River.
Turkwel River is noted to be originating from the western slopes of Mount Elgon and it is considered to be among the top rivers in the country, which flows westwards hence, forming a border between Kenya and Uganda. more so, Turkwel river is famously known for playing a role in hydroelectric power generation wit the Turkwel gorge dam which its water are used for electricity.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about the largest rivers found in Kenya and then book with our tours and travel companies such as; Focus East Africa Tours who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Kenya.
