- Gachagua added that the proposals that have been made will be subjected to discussions for a collective decision to save the lake.
- The lake was home to more than 300 bird species, hippopotamuses, various fish types among other wild animals.
Image: DPCS
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said the government will establish a committee that will restore Lake Ol Bolossat in Nyandarua.
Speaking on Saturday during a tree planting drive in the county, the DP said the committee will be coordinated by Cabinet Secretary for Environment Soipan Tuya.
“I have visited the lake and I'm so shocked. If we do not act, it will disappear. We have agreed with the CS Soipan Tuya to convene a consultative meeting of all stakeholders on conservation and saving the lake,” he said.
Gachagua added that the proposals that have been made will be subjected to discussions for a collective decision to save the lake.
"Ongoing efforts by the various stakeholders like community based organisations and institutions will be consolidated for better results," he said.
Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya on her part assured that the Government was keen on restoring the degraded Lake Olbolosat ecosystem so as to save the retreating water body from complete ruin.
Tuya observed that Olbolosat, the only lake in Central Kenya, was disappearing due to the adverse effects of the recent prolonged drought attributed to climate change.
Image: HANDOUT
She said Lake Olbolosat was an important source of water and livelihood for human and wildlife along the Ewaso Nyiro River basin that traverses Laikipia, Samburu, Isiolo and Garissa Counties.
"This lake forms the headwaters for the Ewaso Nyiro River, which supports the livelihoods of communities, livestock and wildlife in the dry Laikipia, Samburu, Isiolo and Garissa Counties and that is to show us the need for us to conserve this lake," the CS said.
At the same time, Soipan announced a Sh5.5m grant from the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) for the restoration of Lake Olbolosat.
She said the money would be sub-granted to community based organizations for lake restoration activities including intensive growing of trees in its water catchment zones.
"We have a partnership with FAO on the conservation of Lake Olbolosat. They're providing Shs 5.5 million for lake restoration," Hon Soipan announced.
Due to the dry up of the lake and its disappearance, Gachagua encouraged Kenyans to plant more trees as the livelihoods of the people around the lake have been disrupted.
Image: DPCS
“I want to thank Senator Methu for inviting us to this tree planting exercise. As you are aware, President William Ruto has asked us to plant at least 15 billion trees by 2032. As we plant trees to save this lake, we are also contributing to the call of our President,” he said.
The lake was home to more than 300 bird species, hippopotamuses, various fish types among other wild animals.
The loss of biodiversity in the lake has led to diminished revenues from fishing, tourism and other economic activities.