Return of flamingoes to Lake Bogoria makes business pick up

Lake Bogoria, formerly known as Lake Hannington, at times acts as a home to world’s largest population of lesser flamingoes.

This species of birds are vagrant in nature.

Lake Bogoria for decades has been a tourist attraction.

The numerous pink flamingoes often beautifully glide in and along the shores of this lake thereby creating magnificent images, making this lake among the top beautiful destinations in Kenya. 

However, climatic change and continued environmental destruction that adversely affected the lake reduced the influx of tourists. This came as a result of the migration of flamingoes that had nothing to feed on as the lake was affected with harsh climatic changes.

With the return of flamingoes in millions, tourists have once again begun thronging Lake Bogoria whose economy relies more on tourism sector. 

“Currently we are happy to tell the world that the flamingoes are back in large numbers and we’ve seen going up to 95% as compared to last three years” Lydia Ndetewo, General Manager, SPA Lake Bogoria said.

The residents of this region are optimistic that more tourists will visit, business will soar and the region will recover from the past three years that were badly hit economically.

“The population of flamingoes in the world is almost like three point something million and we have more than half of that number in Lake Bogoria and this is the season when we have many flamingoes in the area” said James Kimaru, a warden at Lake Bogoria.

The region that could collect revenue of up to over Ksh100 million annually before covid 19 pandemic struck can now smile as they embark on serious business. Attempts by the government to stabilize security in the region will equally be a plus to the business that is now taking shape. 

“We are now trying to improve on revenue collection,” said Kimaru.