Kisii County Governor James Ongwae has revealed why water springs and rivers are drying up across the county.
The county boss argued that the county has been experiencing persistent water shortages because residents have planted eucalyptus trees planted on along rivers, wetlands and marsh areas.
"Our rivers have dried up across the county posing a great risk to the current and future generation. Springs across the county are also drying up because residents have planted trees which are consuming a lot of water thus making the water sources to dry up," stated the Governor.
Further, the vocal Governor stated that boreholes drilled by his administration are running out of water.
He appealed to residents to cut down eucalyptus tree planted at wetlands and marsh areas before the county officers forcibly cut down the trees.
"I hereby direct the head of service, the department of administration which comprises of sub-county and ward administrators, the department of water and environment to work hand in hand with the national government through the County Commissioner to cut down trees planted near water sources within three months as this will ensure water sources are not drying up," noted Ongwae.
The governor was speaking on Monday when he signed an executive order compelling the county government to cut down eucalyptus trees near water sources across the county.