The Kenyan government has initiated emergency drainage works to control water flows around Lakes Baringo and Bogoria, aiming to prevent further flooding in Baringo County. Principal Secretary for Irrigation Ephantus Kimotho inspected the ongoing works, which involve restoring Rivers Loboi and Waseges to their original drainage courses. This intervention is crucial as the distance between the two lakes has reduced from 22 kilometers a decade ago to just seven kilometers, raising concerns about their potential merger.
A potential merger of the lakes could alter the ecological balance of the two lakes and affect surrounding ecosystems. Lake Baringo's freshwater could mix with the alkaline waters of Lake Bogoria, leading to unforeseen environmental consequences. Data presented during a technical briefing show that Lake Baringo's water volume has increased by an estimated 1.4 billion to 1.9 billion cubic meters by 2026. The lake's water level has also risen by between 12 and 14 meters, from 972 meters to about 984 meters above mean sea level.
The rising water levels have submerged agricultural land, displaced communities, and damaged infrastructure. Before 2010, Lake Baringo covered between 108 and 130 square kilometers, depending on seasonal changes. The government is working to restore the natural flow of Rivers Loboi and Waseges through river training, desilting, and removing accumulated sediments. This effort aims to mitigate the impact of the rising water levels and prevent further flooding.
Technical assessments have linked changes in river drainage patterns and increased water inflows to rising water levels in Lake Bogoria. The government plans to improve drainage channels to manage excess water and facilitate its controlled movement from Lake Baringo. This will involve investing in water storage facilities, irrigation infrastructure, canals, and check dams to turn the flooding challenge into an economic opportunity.
Preliminary assessments have identified potential to develop 250,000 acres for irrigation, with an initial target of 100,000 acres subject to feasibility studies. The proposed program aims to expand food production, support livestock development, create jobs, and increase household incomes in communities that depend on livestock keeping and small-scale farming. This initiative will combine flood management, environmental protection, and irrigation development to protect communities and support agricultural production in the Baringo region.
More than 96 residents have secured jobs through the ongoing works, undertaking river clearance, excavation, plant operation, and other construction activities. Irrigation Secretary for Programmes Michael Thuita leads the multidisciplinary engineering team overseeing the interventions. The government says the interventions will have a positive impact on the region, supporting both environmental protection and agricultural development.
The government has assembled a team of experts, including Secretary for Administration Yatich Kipkemei, Irrigation Secretary for Land Reclamation, Climate Resilience and Irrigation Water Management Joel Tanui, and national and county government officials. Together, they will oversee the implementation of the emergency works and the long-term plan to manage the region's water resources sustainably.
Key points
- The Kenyan government starts emergency drainage works to prevent a merger of Lake Baringo and Lake Bogoria.
- Rising water levels in Lake Baringo threaten regional ecosystems and communities.
- The government plans to invest in water storage facilities and irrigation infrastructure to turn the flooding challenge into an economic opportunity.
