A view of Lake Naivasha. [Photo: Soft Kenya]
The Water Resources Users Association (WRUA) has warned that increased human activities along rivers that flow into Lake Naivasha pose a threat to the future of the water body.
The association has pointed to an extraction of stones and excavation of sand along rivers Karati and Malewa, adding that the effects of the activities are already being felt.
Chairman Enock Kiminta said rising human activities pose a major challenge to the lake, whose survival largely relies on water from the rivers.
He noted that due to the ongoing activities, River Karati is beginning to dry up despite being the major contributor to the lake.
“We are worried by the ongoing extraction of stones in River Karati and we are asking Nema to move in and address this issue,” said Kiminta.
He added that protecting the water body will boost the economy of Naivasha that relies on flower farming.
Meanwhile, operations around the lake were temporarily paralyzed after a group of illegal fishermen attacked fisheries officers on patrol and seriously injured four of them.
The officers were confiscating illegal fishing gear and a boat near Malewa Bay when the group attacked them.
Following the incident, fishermen have called on the Kenya Fisheries Services to beef up security to address increased poaching.
Lake Naivasha Boat Owners Association chairman David Kilo said they will work with police to investigate the incident and bring the culprits to book.
A senior police officer confirmed that the four had recorded a statement with them adding that they were pursuing the suspects.