KWS moves crocodiles from Lake Baringo area as waters rise

The Kenya Wildlife Service is relocating crocodiles from Kampi ya Samaki after rising Lake Baringo waters increased the risk of conflict between people and wildlife.

The exercise is being led by the KWS Veterinary and Capture Unit. Crocodiles are being removed from places where they have come too close to residents and taken to KWS parks and reserves that have few or no crocodiles.

Kampi ya Samaki, on the western side of Lake Baringo, has been affected by the rising lake for more than a decade. Homes, schools, roads and livelihoods have been threatened as the water continues to spread. The changing environment has also forced people and crocodiles to share a smaller area, leading to more contact between the two.

KWS says the relocation will help reduce the danger to communities while also protecting crocodiles, which are an important part of the ecosystem. The animals will be used to support reintroduction and repopulation in other parks and reserves.

For residents, the move is expected to provide more safety as they adjust to the effects of the rising lake, which has already disrupted transport routes, homes, schools and economic activities.

KWS says it will continue working with communities to promote wildlife conservation and safer coexistence between people and wildlife.