Who we Are

Lake Ol’Bolossat, named for its Maasai translation of "marshy land," is Central Kenya’s sole natural freshwater lake, nestled amidst the valleys between Aberdare Mountains' northwest slopes and the Dundori Ridges in Nyandarua County. Its expanse of 43.3 sq.kms encompasses diverse habitats—ranging from open water, floating marshes, and swamps to expansive grasslands and riverine forests along its nourishing rivers and springs.

A haven for avian enthusiasts, the lake boasts a rich avifauna, hosting over 49 documented bird species. Notably, it serves as a crucial habitat for Palearctic migrant waterbirds, particularly significant due to its proximity to the Great Rift Valley, a pivotal migration flyway. This positioning renders it an ideal site for the feeding, resting, and likely wintering of these migratory birds.

The environs surrounding Lake Ol’Bolossat encompass approximately 39 sq.km. of distinctive montane grasslands. These grasslands, albeit home to globally-threatened bird species and diverse biodiversity, have received scant conservation attention. Their rapid disappearance remains alarming, raising concerns about the survival of these unique habitats.

The discovery of Sharpe's Longclaw at Lake Ol’Bolossat extends the known distribution of this species, hinting at a potentially broader historical range. Moreover, the lake serves as the primary catchment for the Ewaso Nyiro River, supporting crucial functions and sustaining the lifestyles of communities in arid and semi-arid regions across multiple provinces.

Despite its ecological significance, Lake Ol’Bolossat faces numerous threats. Human activities such as catchment degradation, siltation, overgrazing, introduction of invasive species, fires, encroachment on riparian lands, and pollution from burgeoning agricultural practices are jeopardizing the lake's attributes, integrity, and potential benefits.

However, amid these challenges, there exists a collective ambition to revive and safeguard Lake Ol’Bolossat’s former splendor. Our united mission aims to mitigate these threats and restore the lake's ecological balance. By engaging stakeholders and implementing sustainable strategies, we endeavor to secure a brighter future for Lake Ol’Bolossat, preserving its natural magnificence for generations to come.

We have come together with the main aim of mitigating all this and bring back the lost glory of LAKE OL’BOLOSSAT.

Lake Ol’Bolossat Community Conservation Group (LOCCOG) was formed and duly registered as a Community Based
Organization (CBO) on15th October 2019.