Lake Naivasha floods displace thousands in Kenya

Thousands of residents in Kihuti Estate, Nakuru County, Kenya, were affected by floods caused by the rising water levels of Lake Naivasha, and the water level rose to unprecedented levels, which led to the expansion of the lake since 2020, among other lakes in the Rift Valley, the level of which has risen steadily.

The number of families displaced due to the Lake Naivasha floods has increased to more than 4,000 families, with fears that this number will rise further, as heavy rains continue in Nakuru County.

According to Naivasha Disaster Management Officer Joyce Cisse, the lake’s water levels have risen sharply over the past three months, submerging homes, schools, churches and a police station.

She said a multi-agency response team had been formed to assist affected residents, many of whom had to move to nearby areas.

The floods have reignited debate over land ownership around Lake Naivasha, with environmental experts warning that uncontrolled human settlement near riverine areas continues to expose residents to repeated displacement as the lake’s water levels rise.