# Lake Baringo flooding and wildlife conflict in Kenya

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/lake-baringo-flooding-and-wildlife-conflict-in-kenya
> Updated: 2026-09-03T10:55:23.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Lake Baringo in Kenya’s Rift Valley has experienced significant flooding, with water levels rising approximately 70 percent since 2010. Satellite imagery from Copernicus and NASA indicates the lake's surface area has expanded to approximately 234 square kilometers. This expansion, attributed to climate change and the El Niño phenomenon, has caused water levels in the Rift Valley to reach heights not seen in half a century, submerging farmland and forcing tens of thousands of families to relocate.

The rising waters have increased human-wildlife conflict by bringing crocodiles and hippos into closer proximity to villages, schools, and residential areas. Jackson Komen, director of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) for the Baringo protected area, previously noted that an increase in crocodile attacks was due to the fact that “le lac est désormais proche des maisons” (the lake is now close to the houses).

In response, the KWS has launched an operation to relocate at least 30 large crocodiles, specifically targeting those weighing 200 kilograms or more. Veterinarian Dominic Mijele described the capture process as difficult and dangerous. To lure the reptiles toward nets baited with fresh fish, rangers have utilized tactics such as playing recordings of dog barks through loudspeakers. While local fishermen welcome the measures to protect their nets and livelihoods, some residents remain concerned that a reduction in the crocodile population could negatively impact local tourism.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-03: Kenya relocates crocodiles from Lake Baringo due to rising water levels

Kenya Wildlife Service is relocating crocodiles from Lake Baringo as rising water levels, driven by climate change and El Niño, push wildlife into residential areas and schools.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lake-baringo-rising-water-levels-force-crocodile-relocation-in-kenya

### 2026-08-06: Kenya's Lake Baringo floods force relocations and spark crocodile attacks

Rising waters of Kenya's Lake Baringo have displaced tens of thousands, brought crocodiles and hippos to homes and raised fears of an ecological disaster as nearby Lake Bogoria also expands.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kenyas-lake-baringo-floods-force-relocations-and-spark-crocodile-attacks

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Cite as: Lake Baringo flooding and wildlife conflict in Kenya. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/lake-baringo-flooding-and-wildlife-conflict-in-kenya