This archive report was first published on 21 November 2019.
Published on November 21, 2019, a fact-finding mission in Nakuru County revealed alarming conservation concerns around Lake Elementaita.
Developers had encroached on the riparian land, constructing new hotels and lodges that threaten over 400 species of birds, including flamingoes, pelicans, and 13 globally threatened bird species.
The birds are sensitive to environmental change, and the county environment chief officer, Dr. Muriithi, noted that the water body is facing immense pressure due to pollution and encroachment.
At a stakeholders' meeting, Dr. Kiogora observed that the degradation of the lake has adversely affected water quality, productivity, and biodiversity, impacting its ability to support life.
Of greater concern is the fact that 75% of the Lake Elementaita ecosystem is privately held as Soysambu Conservancy, a 45,000-acre wildlife and cattle ranch.
The Lake Elementaita boundary survey report, drafted in 2016, blamed the confusion on 1950 maps that did not consider riparian land.
The county trade and tourism executive committee member, Raymond Komen, stated that increased heavy metal content from solid waste is degrading the lake.
The county trade chief officer, Hussein Mohamed, announced plans to work with stakeholders to develop new strategies that will package Lake Elementaita as a tourism destination while ensuring removal of illegal developments and restoring affected areas.
A Nakuru lawyer, Richard Andayi, suggested harmonizing laws that contradict each other on riparian distance to protect the lake.
