Located in the Rift Valley, Lake Bogoria National Reserve is a stunning place. It is adorned by a pink cloud of flamingos and geysers bubbling with the most spectacular hot water volcanic springs. But unfortunately, James Kimaru, the Lake Bogoria National Reserve Senior warden, told the Africa Climate Conversations that the lake has increased by more than 10 kilometres, and 90 percent of these hot springs are underwater.
“With the rising temperatures resulting to enhanced rains the alkaline Lake Bogoria, fresh water lakes Baringo and Lake 94 might merge resulting to a massive biodiversity loss as a result. Kenyan’s lack of interest in research for low financial allocation on conservation research,” Kimaru warned.
Also listen to previous climate change impacts on mental health episodes
Annually the lake earns Kenya between Kshs70-80 million, but visits have reduced by over 95 percent over the last year.But despite its tourist attraction and revenue generation Kimaru says only five percent of the Baringo county – home to three flooded rift valley lakes budget goes to conservation research.
“A lot of research has been conducted in terms of water quality, inflow rates and soil texture but none has ever been done on the lake’s level increase. The phenomenon has not been experienced,” Kimaru told the Africa Climate conversations.
The episode is part of the mental health and climate change series, made possible by a grant from the International Women’s Media Foundation’s Howard G. Buffett Fund for Women Journalists.
