HYDROGEOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND MODELLING OF GROUND WATER IN KENYA. A CRITICAL LITERATURE REVIEW

Purpose: Hydro geochemistry of groundwater provides a broad, more regionally extensive understanding of groundwater systems. Furthermore, this improved knowledge can be used to create more comprehensive management and conservation plans, and more equitable ground water regulations. The purpose of our study therefore is to analyze and model hydrogeochemical of groundwater in Kenya. Methodology: The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes and to extract knowledge gaps. Findings: It was found that there was high concentration iron, zinc and manganese present in groundwater samples in the Sub Catchment. The close proximity of cattle kraals, pit latrines and domestic sewage effluents were found to be the factors that influence and degrade the quality of groundwater. The sanitary survey revealed that the risk to pollution for the boreholes ranged from low to medium but all the shallow wells were in the high-risk category due to the proximity of cattle kraals, pit latrines and domestic waste dumps to these wells. Unique Contribution to Theory and Practice: The study recommended that county government should facilitate the removal of these excess ions from the borehole waters to ensure that the residents are consuming clean water since the concentrations of Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, F-, Cl and NO3- were found to be elevated in 90 % of the boreholes. Also, there is need for the county government to provide more piped water in the areas for the safety of the residents and avoid overexploitation of the boreholes