Environment Agency moves to save Central Kenya’s biggest lake facing extinction

By Nneka Nwogwugwu

Unprecedented levels of environmental degradation are threatening the existence of Central Kenya’s biggest lake, which is now facing extinction.

Over grazing, pollution, illegal settlement on riparian land and quarrying are threatening Lake Ol Bolossat in Nyandarua County, with water levels falling at an alarming rate.

The lake, which is 43.3km², is classified as an important bird habitat, attracting tourists and researchers interested in migratory birds that come from as far as Europe and Asia.

Hundreds of fishermen in the area also derive their livelihoods from catfish, which is in plenty in the rainy season.

The lake, which is a source of Ewaso Nyiro River, supports a large population of humans, livestock and wildlife downstream in the arid and semi-arid areas of Northern Kenyan.

The National Environmental Complaints Committee (NECC) has now raised the red flag over the future of Lake Ol Bolossat and has now formed a multi-agency task force to spearhead the takeover of the lake’s management by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).

While raising concerns over the continued degradation of the lake, the environmental agency’s members Isabella Masinde and James Sapuro have called for the gazettement of the natural resource for better management by the KWS.

“Despite the beauty and economic benefits of the lake, Lake Ol Bolossat is threatened by unprecedented environmental degradation, silting, pollution and encroachment. This lake is likely to die in the next few years if necessary actions to protect it are not taken,” warned Ms Masinde.