The decline in the quality of water has been associated with human activities in both the catchments
and near shore areas. The poor quality of Lake Victoria’s water is a result of discharges of untreated
sewer and chemical wastes from urban centres as well as microbacterial and nutrient laden runoffs
from pastoral agricultural land, shrub-lands, forests and municipal slums. The deterioration of Lake
Victoria’s ecology is linked to the rapid riparian population growth and consequent livelihood activities
associated with farming and urbanization. The review demonstrates that the Lake’s water quality has
deteriorated to a point that it is no longer able to support aquatic life in the same way it did 40 years
ago. The major driving force behind water quality deterioration is population increase. Deforestation,
poor agricultural practices, over-stocking and grazing have all contributed to massive soil erosion
that continues to convey sediments to the lake. The establishment of institutions that will encourage
stakeholder participation in conservation and management of resources at the village, local, national
and regional levels is essential for the sustainable utilization of the Lake’s resources. The riparian
governments need to show both political will and policy direction through establishing policies that
engage the public, and enforce existing rules and regulations that will address the water pollution
concerns.