Lake Naivasha Swallows Homes: Climate Change Displaces Thousands

Lake Naivasha in Kenya's Rift Valley has seen a dramatic increase in water levels, displacing approximately 5,000 people. Families like Dickson Ngome's have woken to find their homes and farms submerged, forcing them to relocate to temporary shelters. This phenomenon is attributed by scientists to increased rainfall patterns, which are suspected to be exacerbated by climate change, though other geological factors may also contribute.

The rising waters are not unique to Naivasha, as other Rift Valley lakes like Baringo, Nakuru, and Turkana have also experienced significant increases over the past 15 years. This has led to tens of thousands of households being displaced across the region. The submerged farmland includes lucrative flower farms, a major economic sector for Kenya, impacting its revenue and exports, particularly to the European Union.

Efforts are underway by local authorities to provide assistance, including aid for relocation and temporary housing. However, long-term solutions are being sought, focusing on climate change mitigation and nature-based strategies like conservation agriculture to reduce sedimentation. The unpredictable future for those displaced by the rising lake highlights the urgent need for global climate action and local adaptation.