Lake Naivasha

News: Kenya’s renowned Lake Naivasha is being severely affected by the spread of water hyacinth, which has overtaken significant portions of the lake.

About Lake Naivasha

• It is a shallow freshwater lake situated in Kenya’s southern Rift Valley.
• It is designated as the Ramsar site.
• It is of relatively recent geological origin and is surrounded by extinct or dormant volcanoes.
• The lake is fed by the perennial Malewa and Gilgil Rivers, which drain the Aberdare Mountains of central Kenya.
• Flora:
  • Papyrus reeds (Cyperus papyrus) dominate much of the shoreline.
  • The lake also hosts submerged vegetation, including species of Potamogeton, and floating mats of the invasive water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes.
• Fauna:
  • Lake Naivasha is famous for its high populations of hippos and flamingos.
  • The lake hosts more than 400 bird species.

About water hyacinth It is an aquatic plant that is native to South America. It is considered an invasive species that can harm ecosystems. Its growth is often associated with pollution, as it thrives in contaminated waters and spreads rapidly.