Government appoints nine-member board to rehabilitate Lake Naivasha

Fishermen in Lake Naivasha wade through water hyacinth which has invaded a third of the water body making it hard to navigate or fish. (Photo:File/Standard)

Kenya: The Government has appointed a nine-member committee whose main aim is to restore and rehabilitate the troubled Lake Naivasha.

The committee, dubbed Lake Naivasha Imarisha Management Board, will also work on the catchment area.

According to Environment Cabinet Secretary Judi Wakhungu, the board will monitor compliance with the law and regulations governing the lake and catchment areas.

In a gazette notice, the CS said that the board had been mandated to seek funds from donors for rehabilitation.

"The board will collaborate with all stakeholders including research institutions and promote their activities in conserving the lake," she said.

The Imarisha Board will be chaired by Cyrus Karingithi, a senior manager with Kengen, who will also represent industries and the business community in Naivasha.

Andrew Ole Koisamou will represent the civil society, Paul Ruoya (Water resources users association), Sarah Higgins (Lake Naivasha Riparian Association) and Joseph Kariuki (Lake Naivasha Growers Group).

Others are Ann Wanyoike (Forest groups), Raphael Ikiba (fishermen), Jim Mwangi (Tourism) and Enock Kiminta (pastoralists).

According to the CS, the board will also have representatives from KWS, Nakuru and Nyandarua County governments, Kenya Water Towers and Ministry of Environment.

Blocked corridors, over fishing, water hyacinth and dropping water levels are the majors challenges facing the lake.