Nairobi: The government has pledged to compensate legitimate landowners affected by the rising water levels of Lake Nakuru, where hundreds of residents have been displaced and property worth millions of shillings has been destroyed. The rising water levels have caused significant devastation to local communities, leading to the destruction of homes, farmland, and infrastructure.
According to Kenya News Agency, Lake Nakuru is among several lakes in the Great Rift Valley region experiencing alarming water level increases. Similarly, more than 5,000 people have been impacted by flooding around Lake Naivasha, particularly in the Kihoto estate, with over half of its land submerged. The state is taking steps to curtail development on the lakes' riparian land.
Local leaders and residents are urging the government to provide immediate assistance and facilitate relocation efforts, as concerns mount over potential hippo attacks and outbreaks of waterborne diseases. Residents have expressed fears that the situation could escalate into a major public health crisis if not addressed promptly.
Speaking at the sidelines of the 2nd International Wildlife Conference in Naivasha, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Director General, Prof. Erastus Kanga, highlighted that Kenya is among several African nations facing similar issues with rising lake water levels. He emphasized the need for science-based research to understand and mitigate long-term effects and to inform compensation claims for affected victims.
Prof. Kanga noted that water levels in Lake Nakuru have risen by over 40 percent, affecting the Nakuru National Park and displacing wild animals, which has escalated human-wildlife conflicts. The government has begun mapping affected land to identify rightful landowners and assess property values before issuing compensation.
Concerns have also been raised about pollution in Lake Nakuru, with warnings against consuming fish from the lake due to contamination from nearby residential areas and flower farms, which have reportedly discharged toxic chemicals into the water.
Prof. Kanga revealed that over the past two years, Kenya has recorded more than 26,000 cases of human-wildlife conflict, resulting in 255 deaths, 725 injuries, over 9,300 farm invasions, 1,000 incidents of property damage, and 10,000 direct threats. He stressed the urgent need for policy and practical interventions, noting that the government has spent Sh3.8 billion in compensation over the last three years and requires an additional Sh1.2 billion to meet merited claims.
Dr. Patrick Omondi, Director of the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI), emphasized the necessity of science-based research to investigate the causes of rising water levels, which have submerged vast areas and destroyed property. He highlighted the urgent need to address impacts of climate change, including increased flooding and prolonged drought, which pose evolving threats to both wildlife and human populations.
Dr. Omondi also mentioned that the Institute is developing a National Wildlife Data Portal, a centralized platform to make wildlife data accessible to policymakers, researchers, and academics.