Siaya Governor James Orengo has Asked the Government and the UNEP to Chip in to Restore Lake Kanyaboli

Siaya County Governor, James Orengo has asked the National Government and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to urgently get involved in restoring Lake Kanyaboli from decreasing water levels.

Speaking at a site where the dyke burst causing the lake to drain its water to Yala Swamp, Orengo asked the United Nations Environment Programme and the national government to direct resources in order to restore Lake Kanyaboli.

In his observation, the decreasing water levels have seen Lake Kanyaboli lose 80 per cent of its water volume thus causing a serious impact on the ecosystem.

He added that the Country should not let the Ox-bow Lake waste away, recommending that resources and studies should come up with a work plan and a blueprint which will transform the environment positively.

Orengo is certain that Siaya County will not be able to deal with the catastrophe without engaging the national government since the catastrophe was huge and required wide resources to restore the unique freshwater lake.

Lake Kanyaboli is the second largest Oxbow lake in Africa. It is located in the northeastern corner of Lake Victoria and was formed as a result of the back-flow of water from Lake Victoria and the floodwaters of River Nzoia and River Yala.

Lake Kanyaboli broke a dyke that separates it from The Yala wetland causing it to drain its water to the swamp. In the act, different fish species were disposed to the swamp. On the other hand, farmers lost their crops due to flooding whereas some families in the parts of Usonga and Budalangi were displaced.