KERIO VIEW
Lake Lamnarock
Kamnarok was, up to recent times, a permanent lake ---- in origin an ox-bow cut off from the highly meandering Kerio river. Subsequently, its continued existence was dependant on inflows of water from streams descending from the Tugen Hills in the East. However, in recent times, the lake has become very shallow and seasonal and could disappear entirely in the near future. This will be very unfortunate for the crocodiles and other wildlife. Even in the worst years of drought and starvation in living memory, probably the "Kipng'osia" of 1918/19 and the "Kiplel kowo" (white bones) of 1924/25, the lake was there to assist animals and people to survive. Already the elephants are experiencing problems; when wading out to the water to have a bath they often get trapped in the thick, glutinous mud. Undoubtedly, despite the vastly increased siltation due to ever-increasing soil erosion on the hillsides and the general drying out of the land, Kamnarok remains a viable and valuable ecosystem for wildlife. But, the County Council of Baringo has to show more "eco-awareness" and political will to preserve it as a Reserve. |