Gilgil is a small town in Nakuru County along the Nairobi to Naivasha road, serving as a market center for surrounding communities. The town is known for its agricultural hinterland (dairy farming, maize, vegetables) and its role as a transit point. Gilgil experienced significant disruption during the 2007-2008 post-election violence but has since been rebuilt and is gradually recovering.
Lake ElemenTaita is a shallow alkaline lake in Nakuru County, approximately 15 kilometers from Gilgil. The lake is famous for its large flamingo populations, attracted by the same algae that colors Lake Nakuru. Elementaita is also notable as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its ecological significance as breeding and feeding grounds for hundreds of thousands of waterbirds. The lake's ecosystem supports diverse bird species, including eagles and herons.
Water quality and levels in Lake ElemenTaita have fluctuated significantly, affecting the flamingo populations. Soda ash mining has historically occurred in the lake area, raising environmental concerns. The lake faces threats from pollution, pastoral and agricultural water extraction, and climate variability affecting water balance. Community conservation efforts and government protected area designation are attempting to preserve the lake's ecological integrity and its importance for birds.
See Also
Nakuru Timeline Lake Nakuru Lake Naivasha Kalenjin Nakuru City Hell's Gate