At least 400 people turned up for the Lake Victoria Annual Run 2026 held in Kisumu on September 19, 2026.
The run organized by Kisumu Youth Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Parliament from Dunga Beach through Milimani, Kisumu CBD and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Ground, was aimed at community sensitization on conservation of the lake.
The run which coincided with the National Cleanup Day targeted to sensitize the public to understand their role in conserving the lake and its resources.
With pollution remaining one of the biggest threats to the lake, stakeholders noted that there was need for increased public awareness the lake conservation.
Kisumu Youth WASH Parliament Lead Victoria Adwet said through the annual run, more young people have been brought on board to drive the lake conservation agenda.
She said there is more focus on people understanding the basic waste management mechanisms at the household levels.
“Lake Victoria is a very important resource, not only for the community around here, but for the greater lake basin. It is the second largest fresh water lake in the world, and this is something that we should cherish and take good care of,” said Adwet.
Other partners who participated in the run included; Farm Africa, Kisumu Water and Sanitation Company (KIWASCO), Green Wells Energy, among others.
El Nino Preparedness
The forum also provided a platform for the community to discuss preparedness for the predicted El Nino rains in order to mitigate its adverse impacts.
Counties within the Lake Victoria basin, such as Kisumu, Siaya, Migori and Homa Bay have all been listed among areas which will experience adverse effects of the El Nino.
Ms Adwet said residents must take the front seat in preparedness to avoid last minute
“At times the flooding is caused by blocked drainages, and this initiative is sensitizing communities that if they dispose off their waste properly, then such blockages can be avoided, hence reducing flooding,” she said.
Harriet Ashoro, Corporate Affairs and Communications Manager at KIWASCO noted that the activity was a big boost to their agenda of conserving water resources in the area, as the lake remains one of the major sources of their raw material.
She noted that the community play a critical role in the work of KIWASCO, which include proper waste disposal, taking care of the company infrastructure, and reporting flaws which may compromise their service delivery, such as theft, breakages, among others.
She said the run was one of the activities which plug in on their conservation programs, through community engagement.
“The main threats we have is vandalism of infrastructure, and blockage of sewer lines. In this run, we are engaging the communities on how best they can support our work, as we advocate for environmental conservation which is at the heart of our services,” she said.
Kisumu Youth WASH Parliament works on empowering the young people in Kisumu on sustainable future, advocating for clean water, sanitation, hygiene, and climate action.
