- Residents living around Lakes Baringo and Bogoria have appealed for urgent government intervention following continued swelling of the two lakes.
- They say the rising waters are threatening lives, disrupting education and destroying livelihoods.
- Communities are calling for relocation support, scientific investigations and long-term mitigation measures.
Residents living around Lakes Baringo and Bogoria have appealed for immediate government intervention following the continued swelling of the two lakes.
The distraught residents warned that the rising waters are endangering lives, disrupting education, and destroying livelihoods.
The residents said they are willing to relocate from the affected areas but require government support because they have no alternative land on which to settle.
“We understand the danger we are facing and we are ready to move to safer places. However, many of us have nowhere else to go. We appeal to the government to help us relocate before the situation becomes even worse,” said Jane Sogomo.
She said the swelling lakes have disrupted farming, transport, and other economic activities on which communities depend.
“Our daily lives have changed completely. Farms have been flooded, transport has become difficult, and many families are struggling to survive,” she said.
Demand for scientific investigations
Ruth Kirwa urged the relevant authorities to commission scientific investigations into the continued rise in water levels.
“We need experts to establish the real cause of the swelling. Whether it is climate change, environmental degradation or underground geological changes, people deserve answers because our safety depends on it,” she said.
The residents’ concerns come as rising waters continue to affect schools across Baringo County, forcing some learners to study under difficult conditions while others face long and costly journeys to access education. Some schools have experienced flooding of classrooms, while communities have also reported increased risks from crocodiles, hippos, and waterborne diseases.
Call for long-term solutions
Kirwa urged the government to prioritise both emergency assistance and long-term interventions.
“We appreciate the ongoing interventions, but permanent measures are needed. We need safe settlements, protection of schools and infrastructure, and a comprehensive plan to prevent future disasters,” she said.
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Residents expressed hope that investigations into the environmental changes affecting Lakes Baringo and Bogoria would guide future conservation efforts while protecting communities whose lives continue to be disrupted by the rising waters.
By Kimutai Langat
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