River Nyando is a river in western Kenya, flowing through the counties of Kericho, Nandi, and Kisumu before draining into Lake Victoria. The river and its basin play a significant role in the hydrology, economy, and ecology of the Lake Victoria Basin. [1] [2]
River Nyando originates from the highlands of Nandi Hills and Kipkelion areas in the Rift Valley. It flows westward across Kisumu County's Nyando Plains, navigating near Ahero before emptying into Winam Gulf, a northeastern extension of Lake Victoria. The major tributaries are the Asawo, Awach Kano, and Ombei rivers. [3] [2]
The Nyando River Basin is estimated to be 3,600 square kilometers in area, with elevations ranging from around 2,700 meters in the upper basin to 1,100 meters near the lake. The basin has a bimodal rainfall pattern, which contributes to recurrent flooding in the lower plains during both long rains (March-May) and short rains (October-December) [4] . [2]
Flooding along the Nyando River is a recurring issue, particularly in the Ahero, Kadibo, and Nyando regions. [5] Heavy rainfall and upstream deforestation cause siltation, reduced drainage capacity, and community displacement. [6] To alleviate these impacts, government agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are implementing a variety of flood control and watershed management projects [7] . [8]
Wetlands, papyrus swamps, and floodplain grasslands are among the habitats that thrive in the lower Nyando basin. These ecosystems are critical for fish reproduction, bird populations, and water filtration in Lake Victoria. However, agricultural development, sedimentation, and pollution from urban and farm runoff endanger environmental health [1] . [9] [10] [11] [12]
The river serves irrigation facilities including the Ahero Irrigation Scheme, which is operated by the National Irrigation Authority and produces rice, maize, and vegetables. Communities in the basin rely on the river for fishing, domestic water, and small-scale agricultural. In recent years, there has been a push to encourage sustainable land management and reforestation in higher catchments. [2] [13]
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