Plastics pose a threat to Lake Nakuru flamingoes

At least 30 to 40 tonnes of plastic waste finds way into Lake Nakuru National Park every rainy season, posing danger to the wildlife and are a threat to one of Kenya’s most visited parks.

The waste generated from Nakuru’s town centre and the neighbouring estates is swept into the lake.

Deputy warden Haron Sang says the waste is a major cause of pollution and reduces the habitat. “If ingested by the wildlife, they end up dying and pull back our efforts on conservation,” he said.

Plastic waste is also an eyesore to tourists visiting the park known for hosting more than a million flamingoes that form a pink ribbon around the lakeshore, attracting hundreds of visitors a day.

Mr Sang county officials have toured the area and promised action.

The park is home to 50 mammal species, including rhino, lions, leopards, buffaloes and more than 450 bird species like flamingos and pelicans.

Mr Sang said laws to deter improper waste disposal and ban of plastics will go a long way in controlling the mess.

“The county government can play a role of ensuring that litter is collected and disposed of well, so that it’s not swept into the park when it rains,” he said.
James Wakibia, an environmental activist, said asked the county to allocate enough funds to solid waste management.

“There is a need for funding in waste management which the government has failed in. It can be observed in the current situation of the dumping sites which are spilling over,” said Mr Wakibia.

Nakuru county executive for Water, Environment and natural resources Dr Richard Rop blamed the waste on the

He admitted that they are having challenges in the control of the waste citing that the storm-water drain is also already blocked due to plastic waste.

“Plastic waste piles up in a very short time and in one hour there’s a lot of waste generated in Nakuru town,” he said.

He noted that the location of the park which is downstream makes it vulnerable to the pollution

“We are organising for the clean-ups beginning next week and we shall also have a fence to protect the drainage leading into the park to protect it from littering. The ban for plastic will go a long way in saving us the headache and we really support the ban. ,” said Dr Rop.