Safeguarding communities around Lakes Baringo and Bogoria has taken a major step forward following the formation of a multi-agency team to address the rising water levels and prepare for the potential impacts of the 2026 El Niño rains.
Following a directive by the National Security Council Committee, the newly established multi-agency team, led by Dr. Pacifica Ogola, held its inaugural meeting to coordinate interventions addressing the crisis, which has been linked to ongoing land and catchment degradation.
To strengthen coordination, authorities established a Joint Technical Committee, which will constitute sectoral technical working groups working closely with the County Government of Baringo, represented by Director of Risk Management Michael Baimet.
The response will be guided by data, scientific assessments, and early warning systems to protect communities, the environment, and local economic activities. Key priorities include providing technical support to ensure access to safe and clean water, expanding agricultural potential through irrigation of up to 100,000 acres, and protecting the livelihoods of approximately 8,000 households currently affected by flooding.
The strategy will also prioritize the restoration of damaged infrastructure and support the recovery and resilience of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) affected by the impacts of rising lake levels and climate-related shocks.
The coordinated approach brings together national and county government agencies and other key stakeholders to strengthen preparedness, response, and long-term resilience in the affected areas.
The initiative underscores Kenya’s commitment to using coordinated, data-driven climate action and early warning systems to protect vulnerable communities while addressing the underlying environmental challenges contributing to the rising water levels.
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