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A community organisation has volunteered to use sports to create awareness on the need to save the dwindling Lake ol Bolossat in Nyandarua County.

The Ol Joroorok Development Forum (ODF) wants the race to save the lake intensified saying its demise will have serious consequences on thousands of people, across several counties, who depend on it for water.

The Forum organised a 7km fun run from Kasuku to the lake’s shores to sensitise the public on the importance of conserving the lake.

Simon Munga said the race was a dry run for future races aimed at raising awareness on the need to save the lake, warning that its death would spell calamity to many people.

“We have chosen sports because we believe it is going to attract many people and hence catch the eye of the world and create the awareness and attention we need to conserve the lake,” said Munga.

A member of ODF, Reverend David Kanyoni challenged other groups and organizations to continue supporting the conservation efforts for the lake, adding that it is the only way private entities can partner with the government in ensuring the water mass that has been reduced to just a flooded area is saved and also contain effects of climate change.

He said ODF plans to organize three road races and a cross country annually. 

Supporting the use of sports for the lake’s conservation, Nyandarua KWS Warden, Paul Wambugu, said that the lake provides a source of livelihood to many families around it and downstream of a river that runs from it to several counties.

“In addition to providing water to people, the lake is also the breeding ground for the grey crowned cranes, a home to over 300 bird species and hippos,” Wambugu said.

 The KWS Warden said hippos were forced to seek refuge in private dams after the lake was reduced to a stream during the recent drought season.

 “This resulted in increased cases of people being attacked by the animals or farm fences destroyed,” he said.

He urged locals surrounding the lake to practice smart farming practices to prevent siltation of the lake.