Lake Naivasha woes: Rising waters force KWS to relocate animals

The rising waters in Lake Naivasha continue to wreak havoc for the residents around it.

 As people continue to be displaced and health issues emerge, there is a lingering threat that has time and again proven fatal — the human-wildlife conflict.

Cases of human-wildlife conflict have been on the rise for the last four years since the water in the lake burst its banks.

According to a story filed by the Star Newspaper in 2024, at least five people have been killed and scores maimed. The most affected individuals are the foot-fishermen.

In the article, residents lamented how the waters have pushed the animals into nearby farms and estates, with cases of buffalo and hippo attacks targeting human beings on the rise.

“According to Francis Muthui, the chairman of Friends of Lake Naivasha, more than 10 people have been killed or injured by the straying wild animals in two months. He identified Kihoto, Kasarani, Tarambeta, Kongoni, Marula, and Kamere areas as the most affected by cases of human-wildlife conflict. Since the lake burst its banks, acres of pasture land and access corridors have flooded, pushing the animals into human settlements,” read part of the article.

In a report tabled in Parliament in 2022 regarding the displacement of Kihoto Homeowners Self Help Group, Kihoto Estate, by the rising water levels of Lake Naivasha.

While tabling their submissions in Parliament, KWS, represented by Esther Wangechi, confirmed that indeed the human-wildlife conflict is a threat.

“Human-wildlife conflict had existed for long in the area since there was competition within the riparian area among wild animals, hotels, livestock, farming activities, and residences. There was a need for remarking the riparian area and erection of an electric fence to curb the incessant human-wildlife conflict,” she said.

Fast forward to 2025, the situation has worsened. The increase in water levels has now forced the Kenya Wildlife Service to rescue and translocate wild animals from the Manera Farm.

“The KWS is undertaking the translocation mission of 15 Masai giraffes and about 150 common zebras from Manera Farm in Naivasha. Due to the land-use changes and the swelling of Lake Naivasha, the animals have lost their natural habitat and access to sufficient food and water,” read part of the Facebook post.

They said they would move the animals to Nairobi National Park and Naivasha Wildlife Sanctuary.