Cooperating countries: Kenya, Austria

Coordinating institution: BOKU University

Project coordinator: Mathew Herrnegger

Partner institution: Technical University of Kenya

Project duration: 28.02.2027-29.02.2028

Budget: 39.940,00 €

Since 2010, Kenya's Rift Valley lakes have experienced significant water level increases, inundating infrastructure, agricultural land, and settlements, affecting up to 80,000 households across the region. Lake Baringo, lying in relatively flat topography, is particularly vulnerable as small water level rises lead to extensive flooding. Before 2009, Lake Baringo's water level remained stable around 972 meters. The lake then rose by 9.5 meters to reach 981.5 meters in November 2020. Recent measurements show Lake Baringo levels approaching this historic peak again, raising concerns about further flooding. While increased rainfall has been identified as the primary driver of these rises, local catchmentscale processes remain poorly understood. This study aims to investigate: (i) the dynamics of land cover change and catchment hydrology, (ii) the contribution of erosion and sedimentation processes to lake level fluctuations, and (iii) the lake's drainage system, focusing on a newly discovered sinkhole and its role in regulating water levels. To address these knowledge gaps, our research combines remote sensing analysis of vegetation dynamics with hydrological modeling to analyze catchment water balance changes. We will quantify erosion patterns through a novel multi-scale approach integrating historical and modern elevation datasets, while characterizing the drainage network through field surveys, drone mapping, and geological analysis. The results will advance understanding of interactions between climate variability, catchment processes, and lake level dynamics in East African rift lakes. By identifying critical erosion zones, assessing flooding risks, and providing a scientific foundation for land use planning, this research will support local communities and decision-makers in developing targeted adaptation strategies to enhance resilience against future lake level fluctuations.