A multi-agency taskforce report on the continued rising water levels of various Lakes the country will be out soon.
Government spokesperson Cyrus Oguna says the report’s findings and recommendations will inform government actions to address the phenomenon.
Addressing media at submerged original main gate of Lake Nakuru National Park,Oguna attributed the rising water in Lakes to silting and heavy rainfall.
“We have a multi-agency team on this and their report will be out soon.From there the government will start working on the recommendations” said Oguna.
The silting he said is occasioned by human activities such as trees felling which make the soil weak hence when it rains the soil ends up in lakes making them shallow with water being displaced.
It is for this,that government is now calling on Kenyans to plant trees and embrace rain water harvesting to avert more flood water getting way to Lakes.
“Most of these Lakes are affected by silting due to human activities and rhat is why we appeal to public to plant trees and even harvest the rain water” added Oguna.
This even as almost all the lakes in the country are expanding affecting several homes and families.
The last time this happened was in 1963.
According to government’s statistics, 400 lives have been lost due to the effects of the same while 5,000 homesteads had been largely affected.
In Nakuru,351 families have been affected with increased human-wildlife conflicts.
The tourism sector has also been hit by the rising water in lakes.
In Baringo,the government notes that social amenities such as schools,hospitals have been submerged by water.
But despite all the challenges,the government has assured of commitment towards ensuring no more lives are lost.
“As a government ,we shall continue to offer psycho-socio support to affected families and ensure sustainability of lives” said Oguna.
He however reiterated the need for collaboration between the two levels of government to alleviate suffering of the people.
The spokesperson was accompanied by Nakuru Deputy Governor Dr.Erick Korir,Nakuru County Commissioner Erastus Mbui and Chief Officer Environment Kiogora Muriithi.