A New City on the Edge of Kenya’s Great Rift

Editor’s note: This is the third post in our theme for April 2025, The City Aquatic. For additional entries in the series, see here.

By Gitonga Njeru

Phillip Kilemia, aged 63, was born and raised in Nakuru. The businessman has seen the city grow to what it has become today. “Faced with myriad challenges, it offers a great future for its people. It has grown from a small railway town to now become Kenya’s fourth largest city. Obviously, we do face environmental challenges such as water and flooding from the nearby Lake Nakuru. But there are many economic opportunities that have come from tourism. Lake Nakuru National Park has brought lots of revenue,” says Kilemia, who also owns parcels of real estate in Nakuru.[1]

Nakuru, Kenya’s newly inaugurated city, stands as a testament to the promise and perils of urban development in an ecologically sensitive region. Nestled within the Great Rift Valley, Nakuru is not only home to breathtaking landscapes but also a growing population eager to capitalize on the opportunities that come with urbanization.[2] Yet the city’s expansion into a modern hub is deeply intertwined with its relationship to water—both an asset and a challenge.

John Kamau, a 47-year-old matatu driver, has been ferrying passengers between Nakuru and Nairobi for over two decades. He has witnessed firsthand the city’s transformation and the economic shifts brought by urbanization. “I remember when Nakuru was just a quiet town. The roads were less busy, and transport was predictable. Now, there’s a lot of movement—more businesses, more people. The roads are crowded, but that’s also a sign of growth,” Kamau says.[3]

However, with that growth comes new challenges. “Flooding has become a big problem for us in transport. Sometimes, when the rains come, parts of the road to Nairobi get waterlogged, making it harder to navigate. We need better drainage systems, especially on highways,” he adds.

Established as a railway town in 1904, Nakuru became a critical stop along the Uganda Railway, connecting Mombasa to Kisumu.[4] Its strategic location made it an important hub for trade, transport, and colonial administration, attracting settlers and businesses.

Lake Nakuru: The Jewel and Its Challenges

Lake Nakuru, a shimmering expanse of water known for its vibrant birdlife, especially flamingos, is the city’s most iconic feature. A protected wetland and centerpiece of Lake Nakuru National Park, the lake draws tourists from around the world, thereby contributing significantly to the local economy. However, its proximity also presents unique challenges as Nakuru evolves into a modern metropolitan region.[5]

“Water is both our blessing and our challenge,” says Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika. “Our vision is to make Nakuru a city that thrives sustainably, balancing economic growth with environmental conservation. But we face mounting pressures from climate change, flooding, and the need to expand our infrastructure to meet the needs of our people.”[6]

Over the past decade, water levels in Lake Nakuru have risen dramatically, displacing communities and threatening the city’s infrastructure.[7] This trend, exacerbated by climate change, underscores the urgent need for Nakuru to rethink its water management systems.

The Challenges of Water Management

Water is central to Nakuru’s growth, yet its management remains a significant hurdle. The city’s water infrastructure, much of it built during the colonial era, is struggling to keep up with the demands of a growing population and expanding industries.

Philip Kiprono, a 75-year-old lifelong resident of Nakuru, recalls a time when water was plentiful and the lake’s shores teemed with wildlife. “In my youth, the lake was smaller but healthier,” he says. “Now, the water levels have risen, but it’s not the same. Pollution and waste from the city are threatening the lake.”[8]

Balancing Tourism and Conservation

Tourism has long been a cornerstone of Nakuru’s economy. Lake Nakuru National Park is home to more than 400 bird species, including the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe and white rhinos.[9] However, balancing tourism with conservation is a tightrope walk.

Environmental activist Paula Kahumbu, CEO of WildlifeDirect, warns of the dangers of overdevelopment near ecologically sensitive areas. “Nakuru’s proximity to Lake Nakuru is a double-edged sword,” she says. “The lake is a vital ecosystem, not just for wildlife but for people as well. If we don’t manage urban expansion responsibly, we risk destroying the very resources that sustain the city.”[10]

Ongoing Initiatives to Revamp Nakuru

In response to these challenges, Nakuru has embarked on several initiatives aimed at sustainable urban development, including the Five-Year Strategic Plan (2023-2027).[11] Additionally, the City Vision 2050 paper has been launched, demonstrating a commitment to long-term planning.[12]

Governor Kihika acknowledges the need for urgent action. “We’re investing in modern water treatment facilities and exploring ways to harvest and store rainwater more efficiently. But it’s a race against time,” she says.

A City in Transition: Sustainability, Security, and the Future

As Nakuru modernizes, leaders recognize the importance of balancing urbanization with sustainability and security.[13] The city is embracing green architecture, inspired by global successes like Singapore’s green building policies. The Kenya Green Building Society (KGBS) is working closely with Nakuru County to ensure environmentally friendly construction.[14]

Nasra Nanda, CEO of KGBS, stresses, “Sustainability is a necessity. Nakuru’s rapid urbanization must be guided by green principles to safeguard the environment.”[15]

Governor Susan Kihika echoes this sentiment, stating, “This partnership marks a turning point for Nakuru. We are not just growing as a city—we are growing sustainably.”[16]

Gitonga Njeru is a Kenyan science and investigative journalist with a solutions-focused approach. He has contributed to major international publications, including BBC, New Scientist, Al Jazeera, and Christian Science Monitor. His work covers a wide range of topics, from environmental and maritime security issues to health journalism, which he is currently focusing on for the next three years.

Featured image (at top): An aerial photo showing part of Nakuru’s city center with the Lake Nakuru national park in the distance, Leo Hempstone, photographer, January 2023, Wikimedia Commons.

[1] Interview with Phillip Kilemia, Nakuru businessman, conducted on February 5, 2025.

[2] Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), Kenya Population and Housing Census 2019.

[3] Interview with John Kamau, matatu driver, conducted on March 22nd, 2025.

[4] Ministry of Transport, Kenya Roads Board Annual Report 2022

[5] Nakuru City County Government, Strategic Plan 2023-2027, published in 2023.

[6] Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Lake Nakuru National Park Biodiversity Report, 2023.

[7] Interview with Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, conducted on January 8, 2025.

[8]Interview with Philip Kiprono, Nakuru resident, conducted on March 1st, 2025

[9] Kenya Meteorological Department, Climate Change and Rising Water Levels in Rift Valley Lakes, 2021.

[10]Interview with environmental activist Paula Kahumbu, CEO of WildlifeDirect, on February 6th, 2025; Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Lake Nakuru National Park Biodiversity Report, 2023.

[11]Nakuru County Government, City Vision 2050 White Paper, published in 2024

[12] Nakuru County Government, City Vision 2050 White Paper, published in 2024.

[13] Kenya Police Service, Crime Statistics Report, 2023.

[14] Kenya Green Building Society (KGBS), Sustainable Urban Development Report, 2023

[15] Interview with Nasra Nanda, CEO of KGBS, conducted on February 5th, 2025

[16] Interview with former Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui, conducted on February 1, 2025.