Water levels in Lake Naivasha have dropped to alarming levels with experts attributing the drop to harsh weather.
Months after the lake burst its banks, things have changed with the levels falling daily. Environmentalists have warned that the levels could drop further if the expected long rains do not come on time.
According to David Kilo from the Lake Naivasha Boats Association, the waters had receded by over ten metres in the last one month.
Mr Kilo attributed the decline to the hot weather conditions coupled with strong winds in the last two months.
“The lake’s level rose to the highest in the last 30 years, but this has changed due to harsh weather conditions and lack of rain in the catchment area,” he said.
Kilo was, however, optimistic that the water levels would rise when the long rains start.
“The main problem is the water hyacinth, which is increasing by the day making navigation difficult,” he said.
Naivasha District Fisheries Officer Nicholas Kagundu echoed these sentiments, saying a drop in water levels meant a drop in fish catch.
On hyacinth, the officer admitted that the weed was taking its toll on fishermen by destroying their nets.
Mr Kagundu noted that some areas in the lake were inaccessible due to the weed. “The weed has adversely affected fishing and sometimes fishermen have been trapped in the lake for hours,” he said. -Standard Digital
