Lake Ol-Bolosat drying up as a result of prolonged dry spell

Ol-Bolosat, a lake in the Central Highlands located in Nyandarua County is drying up as a result of prolonged dry spell.

The current state of the lake has left environmentalists and conservationists worried, despite the efforts they have made to resuscitate it.

The lake that lies at the foot of Aberdare ranges is a great source of water to thousands of families, a habitat to hippos and home to more than 300 species of birds, but their lives are now at stake.

Mr. Wachira Njari, a teacher and environmentalist claims the adverse effect of the drying up of the lake was serious to fathom.

He notes that only a section of the water reservoir was remaining and should the rains fail, no further efforts would help salvage the situation.

Mr. Wachira observes that the lake's habitat was now flocking to the only section of water available, adding that more effects would be felt soon.

Another environmentalist, Thomas Nderitu says there have been efforts to reclaim the lost forest cover at the Abardare Water tower but are yet to bear fruits.

The duo observes that human activities, soil erosion and grabbing of the riparian land of the lake is to blame for its near extinction.

River Ewaso Nyiro, which draws its water from the lake and meanders through Nyandarua, Laikipia, Samburu, Isiolo and Marsabit counties down to Lorian Swamp is also affected.

When Citizen TV visited the lake, herds of livestock were quenching their thirst on the water body, and residents claim this might also lead to conflict between herders and farmers.

In March last year, the government launched Lake Ol-Bollosat management Plan with an aim to conserve and protect it.

The then Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko said the conservation and protection of the lake requires joint effort by key stakeholders and the local communities.

The Plan identifies priority interventions under seven management programmes including Biodiversity management, Eco-tourism management, Water resources management, Human-wildlife conflict management, Education and community awareness, Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries management as well as Forestry resources management.

Successful implementation of this Plan will facilitate rehabilitation of degraded areas; enhance ecological integrity, conservation and sustainable utilization of the Lake for the current and future generations.