The government has started emergency works to restore natural drainage around Lakes Baringo and Bogoria. The aim is to stop the two lakes from merging as their water levels rise. Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho inspected the works in Baringo County on Saturday, Citizen Digital reported. The government wants to act before the predicted El Niño rains arrive.
Lake Baringo is a freshwater lake, while Lake Bogoria is alkaline. Technical assessments presented during the inspection showed that the distance between them has shrunk from about 22 kilometres a decade ago to seven kilometres. Officials fear that the two ecosystems could mix. The Eastleigh Voice reported that the rising waters have already caused extensive flooding.
Lake Baringo's water volume has grown by an estimated 1.4 to 1.9 billion cubic metres since 2010. Its level has risen by about 12 to 14 metres over the same period. Before 2010, its surface area ranged between 108 and 130 square kilometres across dry and wet seasons. By 2026, the water level had risen from about 972 metres to 984 metres above mean sea level, the Eastleigh Voice reported.
Kimotho said the government had drawn up a phased programme after public participation and technical assessments by a team of engineers. The first phase will restore Rivers Loboi and Waseges to their original courses. The works include river training, desilting and the removal of built-up sediment. Assessments found that changes in river drainage and higher inflows are pushing up levels in Lake Bogoria.
The PS also inspected drainage channels designed to manage excess water. They include channels for the controlled movement of water out of Lake Baringo. Engineer Michael Thuita, the Irrigation Secretary for Programmes, leads the engineering team.
In the longer term, the government is considering water storage, irrigation infrastructure, canals and check dams. Preliminary assessments show potential for about 250,000 acres of irrigation, with an initial target of 100,000 acres. Detailed feasibility studies must come first. Both outlets reported that the plan could boost farming and livestock and create jobs. Many residents in the region rely on livestock keeping and small-scale farming.
Kimotho said the works had already created jobs for local residents. More than 96 residents have worked on river clearance, excavation, plant operation and construction.