Some 10 years ago, Lake Bogoria broke its boundaries and water from the lake encroached into human spaces.
The Endorois, a subtribe of the Kalenjin who lived by the shores of Lake Bogoria, were displaced as they were slowly being swallowed by the lake.
The excess water also submerged a health facility, Loboi Dispensary, that was close to the shores.
The rise in water levels was attributed to climate change.
When the Star visited the shores of Lake Bogoria to see the aftermath of the rise in water levels, we found that the people in the region are still bearing the brunt of it 10 years later.
We were received at Loboi, Mochongoi ward Baringo South Constituency, by Community Health Promoter Josephine Konga and Endorois elder Samuel Kiptek.
Kiptek said though the water started rising in 2013, it reached human spaces in 2016.
He said the rise was slow at first but it gained momentum till it encroached into human spaces.
Loss of Property
Kiptek said the encroachment came with so many property losses to the Endorois Community.
"All whose houses were submerged had to look elsewhere to live. They had to plead with neighbours to give them space in their lands to squat as they try to re-establish themselves," he said.
Kiptek said some animals drowned and a church was also submerged
When the waters broke their boundary, Kiptek said many learners had to miss school to help their parents resettle.
"The waters reached Lake Bogoria Girls High School which is within the vicinity," Kiptek said.
Though the waters never got to the classes it created a breeding ground for mosquitoes in the school.
The waters also brought hippopotamuses closer and learners had to skip morning preps for fear of encountering hippos in the compound.
Tourism
Kiptek also noted that before the incident, the county collected more revenue from tourists who came to see the flamingos and the hot geysers in the lake.
"15 per cent of the revenue collected would go to bursaries for learners. Now that the lake no longer attracts many tourists, there are delays in disbursement of the bursaries because of low revenue collection," Kiptek said.
He said the pink flamingos that attracted tourists reduced in number because some died.
Almost every family buried someone
Konga who is a health promoter said the Loboi Dispensary that was submerged used to serve almost 5,000 people in the region.
The residents now have to go 200 km to Marigat to get medical attention.
"It is an expensive journey costing a total of Sh500 as the motorbikes are few," Konga said.
She said there were also increased cases of Hepatitis B after the water encroached.
"Many died from Hepatitis B. Almost every family buried someone. The doctors said it was being transmitted through bodily fluids. The doctors had no explanation as to why the disease was so rampant here. They said they would do more research on it," she said.
There was also an incident where a man died after he drank water from the lake after it broke its boundaries.
Konga said the man first became paralysed and left behind a son with weak bones as he also drank the same water.
Low produce
Additionally, Konga said Lake Bogoria being a saltwater lake, scorched the land and plants. Residents said not even grass can grow on the land.
"The salty water, seeping from underground, gets to their farmlands leading to low produce as it is not nutritious," she said.
There is a strong stench emanating from the lake which Konga claims it causes goats to miscarry.
Water and Sanitation situation
The Endorois, having no land of their own, also have no access to safe clean water.
They only access clean water safe for drinking when the county government brings water trucks to them because even when they drill boreholes, the water is still salty, hence not safe for consumption.
The salty water makes their bones weak as it lacks calcium. The elderly in the community said they struggle to walk
This is despite the fact that they have a right to access safe drinking water and sanitation as recognised by the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
Article 11(1) of the covenant, which Kenya ratified in January 1976, says everyone has a right to an adequate standard of living.
But the Endorois do not feel like they enjoy the same right as fellow Kenyans.
