THOUSANDS of flamingoes have migrated to lakes in Rift Valley and Western due to an increase in Lake Nakuru's water levels. They have migrated to Lake Oloidien in Naivasha, Lake Bogoria and Elementaita. Deputy senior warden at Lake Nakuru National Park Joseph Dadacha said climate change is most likely to blame for the increased water level. The lake has risen by three metres. He said the number of both local and international tourists visiting the lake is on the increase. "We have never experienced this kind of water level, not even during El nino rains," said Dadacha.

He added that the water flowing into the Nakuru might have diluted the salinity of the water, hence reducing production of algae that is food for the birds. Dadacha said the birds migrate to salty lakes where they will get food and return to Nakuru when conditions improve. He said since the flooding only about 10,000 lesser flamingoes out of 400,000 are in the lake.

He however said the number of cormorants and pelicans has increased. Dadacha said hundreds of acacia trees have dried up due to water logging. "Animals like Columbus monkeys, Reed Bucks and Impalas will relocate to other parts of the park not affected by water logging," said Dadacha. Dadacha added that the rainshave made most roads at the park impassable.

He said that some sections of the roads have been either washed away or covered by floods. "The water levels at the Lake have moved to a distance of 500 metres from the original lake shoreline. We have spent Sh2 million to repair the damaged road," said Dadacha. About one kilometre of the road is still submerged in water.