Lake Ol-Bolosat, located in the heart of Nyandarua County, has shown remarkable signs of revival, thanks to the short seasonal rains that have rejuvenated the area in recent months. This recovery has sparked hope among the local fishing community, who have long relied on the lake for their livelihood. Once nearly dried up, the lake’s resurgence brings with it the promise of a more stable source of income and food for many families in the region.
Joseph Mbuthi and Erick Munene, two boat riders and fishermen at Lake Ol-Bolosat, are among those who have witnessed the lake’s transformation. Their optimism is palpable as they see water levels rise and the fishing prospects improve. “We are hopeful that this will continue,” says Mbuthi, while Munene adds, “The lake has been a vital part of our lives, and now it seems to be coming back to life.”
Lake Ol-Bolosat, the only lake in the Central Highlands, is a critical resource for the local communities. Fishing here is not just a livelihood but a tradition, supporting both subsistence and commercial activities. The lake is known for its mudfish species, which are the most commonly caught, although the overall fish population has remained low due to several challenges. These include habitat loss, excessive water abstraction, and high evaporation rates, which all contributed to the lake drying up entirely two years ago.
Despite these setbacks, the return of the rains has been a turning point. Local authorities and conservationists, including Nyandarua Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Game Warden Paul Wambugu, are calling for renewed efforts to protect the lake’s delicate ecosystem. Wambugu stresses the lake’s importance not only as a vital water source for the surrounding communities but also as a sanctuary for wildlife. The lake is home to a variety of bird species and a significant hippopotamus population, some of which had migrated to nearby dams during the lake’s dry spell. Now, with the rising water levels, these hippos are returning to their natural habitat.
While the lake’s revival brings hope, Wambugu warns that it is essential to safeguard the area from pollution and environmental degradation. Concerted efforts are needed to ensure that both the aquatic life and the local communities that depend on the lake continue to thrive. If the lake is protected, it can remain a sustainable resource for generations to come.
