Government unveils multi-million project to save Lake Naivasha from extinction

Erastus Gichohi-KNA

The Government has launched the 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 said the Lake Naivasha basin is a very key natural resource to flora and fauna in the region.

She said it supports livelihoods through agriculture in the highlands of Aberdares, as well as tourism and fishing in Lake Naivasha.

However, Barasa regretted that the Lake Basin is currently facing numerous environmental challenges, which if not addressed, could lead to devastating effects to 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 support 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.

“If this trend continues, we shall soon lose the very important ecosystem services that thousands of people overly depend on,” she said.

To address this, Dr. Barasa stated that 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 increase in fish production.

Lake Naivasha is a designated Ramsar site, meaning it is a wetland of international importance and 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 plays host to global events such as the World Rally Championship (WRC).

 But this national pearl is under threat from degradation, pollution and loss of biodiversity, she said. 

To restore the Lake Naivasha ecosystem through the National Environment Trust Fund (NETFUND), the government has secured an impressive $1.78 million, approximately Sh230.85 million from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), to restore the ecology.

 The Fund will go towards the restoration of forest ecosystems and the reduction of land degradation within the Lake Naivasha Basin.

The project is a comprehensive three-year programme focused on restoring catchment and riparian land in key zones across the basin.

Dr. Barasa called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders in conserving the ecosystem and observed that sustainable management of Lake Naivasha Basin Ecosystem requires cooperation, support and contribution from all levels of government, private sector, non-governmental organizations and local communities who are the stewards of these landscapes.

“The initiative aligns well with key government priorities, including my ministry’s strategic focus areas on biodiversity conservation, environmental and forest restoration, and climate change action,” she stated.

On his part, NETFUND Chief Executive Officer Samson Toniok said the project will enable the protection of 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.