Kenya’s neighbour, Tanzania, is opposed to the construction of Hydro-electric power dams along the Mara River. The country’s officials revealed that they were holding talks with the Kenyan government to stop the projects which could adversely affect Mara River and the ecosystem around the river.
Mara River originates from the Mau Forest in Kenya and flows into Tanzania before draining in Lake Victoria. The river is estimated to be 400 Kilometers long. Approximately 65 per cent of the river is situated in Kenya while 35 per cent is found in Tanzania. The River supports the vibrant tourism sector in the two East African nations whereby it passes through Maasai Mara national park in Kenya and Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The water resource also supports a wide range of wildlife in the two countries it flows through.
Kenya plans to construct two dams along the river namely; Norera dam (10 meters high) and Mungango dam (30 meters high) as per The East African.
Tanzania’s Minister in charge of Natural Resources and Tourism Constantine Kanyasu said, “The dams will lead to adverse impact on the Serengeti ecosystem, including the loss of some species due to lack of water in the Mara River during the dry season.”
Kenya and Tanzania are signatories to the East African Community treaty. The treaty demands for the sustainable use and protection of shared natural resources. Tanzania authorities have been in discussions with their Kenyan counterparts for the past three years in an effort to stop the construction of the Hydro-power dams.
