Naivasha: The government has launched a three-year Lake Naivasha basin ecosystem management project aimed at saving the lake from extinction. Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary (CS) Dr. Deborah Barasa, speaking in Naivasha while launching the project, said the Lake Naivasha basin is a very key natural resource to flora and fauna in the region, thus supporting livelihoods through agriculture in the highlands of Aberdares, as well as tourism and fishing in Lake Naivasha.
According to Kenya News Agency, Barasa regretted the Lake basin was currently facing numerous environmental challenges, which if not addressed, could lead to devastating effects on the flora and fauna and livelihoods of many people. The CS noted that the basin, which starts in the highlands of the Aberdares and the downstream in Lake Naivasha, provides rich agricultural lands, which supports agricultural activities. However, she said, the basin faces numerous challenges, mostly driven by unsustainable and uncontrolled use of agricultural lands, chemicals from farmlands, effluents from the hotel industry, and some instances of encroachment on riparian areas.
Dr. Barasa emphasized that if these trends continue, the region could soon lose the essential ecosystem services that thousands of people depend upon. To this end, she stated that the timely and prudent implementation of the project will deliver key outcomes, including improved basin governance, restored forest and wetland ecosystems, sustainable land management, and improved ecosystem services such as an increase in fish production.
Lake Naivasha is a designated Ramsar site, marking it as a wetland of international importance and a home to diverse wildlife, including hippos, flamingos, over 400 bird species, and an active fishing community. It also serves as a key tourism destination and hosts global events such as the World Rally Championship (WRC). However, this national pearl is under threat from degradation, pollution, and loss of biodiversity.
The project to restore the Lake Naivasha ecosystem through the National Environment Trust Fund (NETFUND) has secured $1.78 million, approximately Sh230.85 million, from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The Fund will go directly towards the restoration of forest ecosystems and the reduction of land degradation within the Lake Naivasha Basin. This initiative, named the Lake Naivasha Basin Ecosystem-Based Management Project, is a comprehensive three-year programme focused on restoring catchment and riparian lands in key zones across the basin.
Dr. Barasa called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders in conserving this ecosystem and observed that sustainable management of the Lake Naivasha Basin Ecosystem requires cooperation, support, and contribution from all levels of government, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and local communities who are the stewards of these landscapes. She stated that the initiative aligns well with key government priorities, including biodiversity conservation, environmental and forest restoration, and climate change action.
NETFUND Chief Executive Officer Samson Toniok highlighted that the project will protect key forests in Nyandarua County, including 6,600 hectares in South Kinangop, 6,800 hectares in North Kinangop, and 22,000 hectares that form Geta forest in the same county. This will help address the challenges facing the lake, such as increased pollution, degradation of the lake and catchment ecosystems, encroachment of riparian land, deforestation, waste management, and human-wildlife conflicts.
Nakuru Deputy Governor David Kones reaffirmed the Nakuru county government’s commitment to environmental conservation, referencing the Nakuru Climate Change Act of 2021, which mandates the allocation of a minimum of one percent of the county’s development budget towards climate change mitigation and building community resilience. Kones praised the project, noting it will support the development and implementation of a basin-wide management plan, ensuring effective and transparent resource use while restoring the lake’s catchment areas and riparian zones.
Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha expressed the county’s commitment to ensuring the project succeeds by protecting key water resources and water catchment areas. He termed the project as a timely intervention towards environmental rejuvenation, economic renewal, and social inclusion. The governor also highlighted the county’s efforts in enacting the Forests Restoration Strategy (2021-2030) and Climate Led Actions (2024-2027) to support biodiversity and climate-smart agriculture.
Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake in the Rift Valley, has a surface area of 139 square kilometres and a depth of six meters. It is fed by the Malewa and Gilgil rivers and is surrounded by rich agricultural land and a network of important wetlands and forests. The lake supports the Fisheries sector in the country, with five introduced species of fish, including Oreochromis leucostictus and Tilapia zillii, providing resources for thousands of families and contributing to the economic development of the lakeside town.