River Sosiani in Eldoret which is the main source of water in the town is drying of excessive pollution. Environment experts have warned that the river which cuts across the town may dry up in the next five years if the pollution is not checked.

Water levels have reduced by more than 60 per cent and the river has been turned into a dumping ground by polluters who have killed marine life in the waters.

Joseph Komen, an environmentalist, said the Uasin Gishu county government must take action to save the river from imminent death. Scientists have declared the river dead as it can not support marine life.

The Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and the Uasin Gishu county government have launched a clean-up exercise to help conserve the environment in the town and the river.

"We want to ensure River Sosiani, our parks, flowers and trees are conserved so that the environment is the town remains good for residents,"said Governor Jackson Mandago during the launch of the 'Ngarisha Eldoret" initiative two weeks ago.

The National Environment Management Agency has launched the cleaning up of the river but illegal activities which are choking the river persist.

Some crossing have also been turned into hiding spots for criminals but the County Commissioner Abdi Muhammed says they have deployed police to deal with the gangs.

Staff at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital have been planting trees along the river which crosses near the hospital. The county government has banned car washing activities which have also contributed to the pollution of the water mass.

Meanwhile, the European Union has donated Sh300 million to help conserve the Mt Elgon and Cheranganyi water towers. The project will be implemented by the University of Eldoret and Kenya Forest Service.

The university's Dean of Environment Studies Vincent Sudoi said the project will involve communities in the conservation of the water towers.