Trends in Water quality Deterioration in the Rift Valley: The case of Lake Nakuru, Kenya

Lake Nakuru, a critical hyper-eutrophic and saline lake in Kenya's Rift Valley, faces severe water quality deterioration due to anthropogenic activities such as industrial expansion, agricultural intensification, urban growth, and population surge. A study analyzing 20 samples from wet and dry seasons revealed that sewage and industrial pollution significantly elevate Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and Suspended Sediment (TSS) levels beyond permissible limits for aquatic ecosystems. Seasonal variations showed higher TDS in the dry season, while alkalinity, DO, and TSS concentrations peaked in the wet season. The most polluted areas included storm drains, the lake center, River Nderit's mouth, and Lamdiac. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in DO and TSS levels between seasons, underscoring the urgent need for policy enforcement to mitigate toxic discharges and public environmental education to ensure sustainable resource use.

(Ed.). (2026). Trends in Water quality Deterioration in the Rift Valley: The case of Lake Nakuru, Kenya. Journal of Environment and Earth Science. https://doi.org/10.7176/jees/16-2-04