Lake Victoria and Lake Turkana which lie hundreds of miles apart have been known for their fish production but the source of their waters hasn’t been given so much discussion.

West Pokot County popularly known as a County of hidden treasures, lies what is considered by residents as a “Daraja Mungu.” 

The place is near the home of the late Powerful Pokot leader Francis Lotodo and prides in being the source of two tributaries.

West Pokot is approximately 417km from Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, equivalent to 8hrs drive.  

According to area residents, Daraja Mungu, is a valley of life, where people visit to enjoy cool breezes.

The place lies between the border of West Pokot Sub County and Pokot South. 

This valley is the source of two rivers, River Muruny which drains its waters into Lake Turkana and River Nzoia which drains its water into L.Victoria. 

Daraja Mungu divides into two, “Daraja Mungu A” a source of river Muruny feeding its water into Lake Turkana, a Lake that is known for its fish production. 

The source is so clean but a few kilometers from here, the river starts getting dirty due to human activities such as unlicensed gold mining activities.

On the other side is “Daraja Mungu B”, supplying water to river Nzoia which drains its water into Lake Victoria.

The geography of the area is amazing since there is no hill or mountain that is known to be sources of two rivers.

In a bid to mitigate effects of climate change, West Pokot County government in collaboration with other environmental stakeholders are advocating for proper conservation, urging locals living around Daraja Mungu to avoid human activities such as cultivating along this Place. 

50 kilometers away from Daraja Mungu, the illegal and unlicensed gold mining has polluted the river which heads to Lake Turkana and the community around is the most affected.

The mining has also contributed to child labour since most children no longer go to school, a scenario that environment experts argue that if not looked into, It may lead to high rates of illiteracy and poverty in West Pokot. 

The local community is however appealing to authorities to move with speed and suspend illegal mining. 

Meanwhile, West Pokot governor Simon Kachapin reaffirmed his commitment to initiating a programme that will help in educating locals on dangers of illegal mining. 

Unlike other places where the phrase ‘Daraja Mungu’ is associated with a river that goes underground and reemerges at a short while, this one has two streams that emerge from one place and head to different destinations.

Daraja Mungu remains to be one of the most historical places in West Pokot County and if taken care of, can serve not just as a tourist attraction centre but also, as a source of income to both national and county governments.