LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK - KENYA
Project Area - 188 sq kms

Lake Nakuru National Park lies between longitude 36°05’ E and Latitude 0°24’ S which is about 160 km from Nairobi along the Trans African Highway. Lake Nakuru is a very shallow stongly alkaline lake which is home to millions of flamingos often referred to as " the greatest ornithological spectacle on earth". The lake is set in a landscape surrounded by areas of marsh and grasslands alternating with rocky cliffs and outcrops, stretches of acacia woodland and hills covered with Euphorbia forest. The park is known as "the Jewel in the Crown" of Kenya.

The Park has for long acted as the centre for biodiversity conservation initiative. In 1953, 1959 and 1962 the introduction of Tilapia grahami (= Sarotherodon alclicus grahami) to control mosquitoes increased food diversity and resulted in a wider variety of species of bird life in Lake Nakuru. With the expansion of the park boundaries the park acted as a refuge for wildlife that had experienced habitat destruction. These wildlife species included the predators, endangered species such as the Rothschild Giraffe and Rhino. The rampant poaching of Rhinos exterminated them from their range. Lake Nakuru National Park has acted as a Black Rhino protection and breeding site, and for reintroductions to their former ranges. The park has been recognised internationally as an important conservation area and has been designated as an Important Bird Area, a stop over for migratory species and the first Ramsar Site in East Africa.

The present Lake Nakuru National Park is a result of a series of chronological events.
• In 1961 the southern part of the lake was designated as a bird sanctuary, under the management of the Kenya Royal National Parks.
• In 1964, the bird sanctuary was extended covering the whole lake and a small strip of land around it.
• In 1968, the whole area of the lake and the surrounding shore, about 6,000 ha, was officially gazetted as a National Park.
• In 1972, WWF took the initiative to raise funds to facilitate further expansion of Lake Nakuru National Park.
• In 1973, WWF represented by Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands (current President of Rhino Rescue Trust) signed a conservation agreement with the government of Kenya. The agreement supported a park extension programme.
• In 1974 further extension of the park took place when WWF organized and funded the purchase of land from farmers residing on it. This addition together with the later modifications resulted in the present area of 188km2.
• In 1976 part of the park was fenced with a 74 km long chain link wire, to alleviate human wildlife conflicts.
• In 1984, the Park was established as the first Government managed Rhino Sactuary.
• In 1986 a solar powered electric fence was funded and installed by Rhino Rescue Trust to provide a safe haven for the remaining rhinos. Supervised by Peter Jenkins and Jock Dawson.
• In 1987 the Park was given the status of a Rhino Sanctuary. *
• In 1990, Lake Nakuru was designated as a Ramsar site ( listed sites or wetlands of international importance for the management of migratory waterfowls).

*The Rhino Sanctuary Project began with the translocation of two adult males, one from Kitengala (outside Nairobi National Park) and another from Lewa Downs, a private game reserve. Within three months, 15 black Rhinos were introduced into the park. By 1990, this programme was nearing its completion with an additional four black rhinos, from Nairobi National Park and ten white rhinos , from South Africa being introduced.

Today the Rhino Sanctuary Project is a success story! As of today there are approximately 60 Black Rhinos and 40 White Rhinos.

As you can see Lake Nakuru National Park is a precious environment which needs constant attention. Today it is almost entirely surrounded by human habitation so it is vital to maintain the fence. Keeping the water flowing into the lake is also essential. Deforestation in the surrounding catchment area has created a serious problem of siltation in the lake and rivers. Rhino Rescue Trust continues to be vigilant in the preservation of this important national treasure.

A History of Rhino Rescue Work in the Park

In December, 1985 Rhino Rescue, a Trust for all endangered wildlife, was founded by Count Maurice Coreth with the aim of combating the decimation of the rhino population in Kenya.

In 1986 Lake Nakuru Sanctuary Appeal was launched. Eighteen months later the Park was fenced and black rhino were being released into Nakuru National Park.

By 1987 the Rhino Sanctuary was a going concern. It was the first Sanctuary anywhere in the world built on public land. The total cost of £500,000 (Kshs 71,998,421) ($910,869.59) was raised by Rhino Rescue wholly by private subscription, the primary expenditure being the building of an electrified fence of some 80 kilometres.

Rhino Rescue maintained the park fence and security patrol for five years before handing back the management of Nakuru National Park to the Kenya Wildlife Service.

In 1996 Alec Seccombe, then chairman designate of Rhino Rescue, visited the sanctuary and was alarmed at the extent of the deterioration of the facilities.

Between 1996 and 1998 Rhino Rescue continued to campaign for readmittance to the sanctuary to put matters right.

Later in 1998 Dr. Richard Leakey was reappointed Director of Wildlife and was able to invite Rhino Rescue to come back with restoration proposals for his consideration. Within weeks he had given his permission for RRT to start restoring the fencing which had been damaged by El Nino, repairing vital boreholes and making good parts of the Park which had become derelict.

The Trust's "hands on" approach is resulting in extraordinary achievements. The cornerstone of its accountability is that it never hands over cash for others to spend. Where equipment must be bought, RRT buys it directly. Where people are employed, the Trust pays them directly.

2004 Report First Quarter: Many fence posts were replaced after the pick-up was repaired. Grass was cut between the fences. Work is in progress on the Makalia River entry into the park where erosion is in danger of undermining the fence. New sluice gates are ordered and will be in place soon. Lamniak and Naishi River work will start soon.

Rhino Rescue team replacing corner posts

Senior Warden J. Warutere Makalia Sluice Gates

Solar Panels being installed at Reedbuck.

At the point where the Makalia River enters the park, a section of the fence was in danger of being eroded. This required re-siting a section measuring 40 metres in length. Also, the sluice gate at this point had been damaged during last year's heavy rains. This was the first opportunity, with no water flowing in the river, to remove the old one and reposition a new one a few metres downstream. RRT funded the construction of this new gate and the whole project has been completed including recovery of the old posts and wire. Where Naishi River enters the park, there is a significant gap where animals and/or humans could easily pass. It required some masonry construction that was completed successfully by RRT and KWS personel funded by Rhino Rescue Trust Work began on installing solar panels at Reedbuck Well.. Rhino Rescue Trust welcomes Senior Warden J. Warutere to Lake Nakuru National Park.

Work at Lamniak

Mbugani solar panels replaced Simon and RRT staff Reedbuck Borehole Animals have returned

ELECTRIC FENCE. Routine maintenance continued. Still no appreciable rain so control of grass and undergrowth was minimal. LAMNIAK RIVER This small seasonal stream enters the park to the south of the Njoro River bridge. At the point where it enters the park, there is a large double culvert and sluice gate. The culvert and the entire course of the stream had been completely filled with silt. RRT employed 8 casual laborers for 2 weeks. Together with RRT personnel they cleared out the silt from the culverts and the stream bed for a distance of 100 metres into the park. The sluice gate was taken for repair and reinstalled between metal posts so that it can be swung open in case of floods. Cost of labour - Kshs 12,400 (£ 86.14) ($156.88). REEDBUCK BOREHOLE Solar Panels and Linear Current Booster were stolen from this low capacity borehole last year. They were originally provided by RRT. After assurances of increased security by KWS and after approval of plans to build in better anti-theft features, JB Drilling re-installed the panels and LCB. Water is once more flowing and many animals have already returned to this area. Rhino Rescue Trust funded this project at a cost of Kshs 190,250 (1,321.21)($2,406.90). MBUGANI BOREHOLE As with Reedbuck Borehole, solar panels and other vital equipment were stolen from this borehole a year ago thus depriving animals of water in a large area. With the same security specifications as Reedbuck, JB Drilling are reinstalling this vital borehole and work should be completed by the end of this month. KWS have been requested to repair the concrete waterhole since, at present, there is nowhere for the animals to drink. Rhino Rescue Trust funding for this project will be in excess of Kshs 280,000 (£1,944.49) ($3,542.39).

Fourth Quarter: Routine maintenance continued on the fence. Mr. Paterson is conducting an analysis of the fence efficency and initial result indicate there are many problems. Mr. Combes then accompanied Gallagher Power Fence representatives on a fence inspection. The 20 fence is now 20 years old and needs to either be upgraded or replaced completey. Problems persist with the Pickup and tractor which both need replacing. Simon Combes Rhino Rescue Trust Kenya Project Director and Representative Tragically killed by a rougue cape buffalo on December 12. SIMON COMBES TRIBUTE

2003 Report

The year began with the fence in good order and the boreholes up and running. Just when you think things are going well..... the Mbugani solar panels were stolen in March. Fortunately the rains began and there was sufficient water for the animals but the heavy rains damaged the fence where the rivers Nderit, Makalia and Naishi enter the park so work will need to be done when the rains subside. Sewerage from the town of Nakuru brought filthy debris piled against the fence which RRT cleared away.

In May, Jock Dawson handed over the reins of Project Director and Kenya Representative to Simon Combes, a former leader in the Kenya Army and now an established Wildlife Artist. Mr. Nick Cowell was appointed Deputy.

The heavy rains continued through September and it was dry briefly in October before the short rains began in November so the gyromower and tractor were working overtime in cutting the grass around the perimeter of the park. Lamniak and Njoro culverts will need to be dug out and silt removed. RRT will need to employ extra labour to complete this before the rains come again. Solar batteries were replaced at Nganyoi, Lanet and Nderit. Another set back was the complete breakdown of the RRT pick up. This vehicle really gets a hammering as most of the terrain travelled is off road and nearly impassable. In December the rains lessened and the streams and rivers coming into the park dried up or decreased their flow. Hopefully in January 2004 the conditions will allow repairs to be made on various gates and barriers where the rivers enter the park. Due to so much rain this year, grass and brush between the fences has become very high. Problems with the tractor and mower have interrupted normal cutting of this grass. We will need to look at either rebuilding the tractor or purchasing a replacement. The pick up will not continue at this rate much longer either. On a brighter note we did receive a load of fence posts partially funded by RRT.

Expenditure: In 2003 Rhino Rescue Trust put Kshs 1,678,039.40 (£11,653.31) ($21,229.29)into the work in Lake Nakuru National Park

2002 Report

Regular maintenance continued throughout the year on the fence. The main focus of RRT this year has been the water supply. Mbugani Borehole was deepened 24 metres and a 4" PVC casing added and packed with gravel to stop collapse. New machinery at Nganyoi Borehole was put in place - a submersible pump and engine. Solar panels and pump were installed at Mbugani.

Our much needed pick-up was purchased and upgraded as well.

Expenditure: In the year 2002 Rhino Rescue Trust put Kshs 4,582168.30 (£31,821.31) (57,970.13) into the work in Lake Nakuru National Park.

2000 to 2001 Report

The rehabilitation of the fence has been completed and the culverts on the Nderit, Makalia and Naishi Rivers have been rebuilt by locally employed labour. Engineers from the British Army rebuilt the largest bridge over the Njoro River which was a major task and for which we are most grateful. These works were overseen by RRT Kenya Representative Jock Dawson. We would like to thank the US FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE for providing a large part of the restoration costs of the water supplies and the pick up.

Following Dr. Richard Leakey's move to become Permanent Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of the Public Services, Mr. Nehemiah K. Rotich was appointed Director of KWS. We continue to have a close working relationship with KWS and Mr. Rotich has said that he would like RRT to have an ongoing commitment to the Rhino sanctuary at Nakuru and we are very happy to do this.

Having completed the renovation of the fences and culverts we are turning our attention to the water supplies which are sourced from boreholes. This work is vital in as much as the animals within the park are unable to move out to find water as the lake water is undrinkable. We have excavated three new waterholes in a large area of the park which is little used at the moment. This will mean that the game does not have to travel so far for water and will take pressure off the grazing in the rest of the park.

A comprehensive survey of the boreholes has been completed and work has started on two of the seven most important ones. Thanks to the generousity of an American donor through Ker and Downey, we have funds to replace the 50 year old pump and engine at Nganyoi borehole with a submersible pump and generator.We will install submersible pumps on the Soysambu, Nderit, Base West and Nasoit boreholes which will be powered by a mobile generator or solar panels as neccessary. This work will cost £24,770 (Kshs 3,566,802) ($ 45,124.48). Funds permitting, we wish to sink a new borehole at Pwani.

Pwani lies above the escarpment to the west of the lake and would be excellent rhino habitat if water were available. This project will cost £23,000 (Kshs 3,311,927) ($41,900) and we are actively seeking donors to assist. We supply the local community from these boreholes. They are being encouraged to plant trees around their land which will eventually provide enough wood fuel for their fires. Another pressing need in the park is a replacement for the pick-up which is beyond economic repair and we must raise £6,500 (Kshs 935,979.47) ($11,841.30) to achieve this.

Sluice gates were ordered and installed at Njoro and Naishi river entrances to the park, funded by RRT.

We are enormously grateful to Anthony Robinson, who runs a transport and engineering business in Nakuru. He has given freely of his time to survey and research equipment for the boreholes and has been constantly on hand to deal with the mechanical breakdowns of the tractor and pumps.

Nakuru National Park is the "Jewel in the Crown" of KWS and has more visitors than any other Kenya Park.

The sanctuary must be maintained if we are to have a nucleus of black rhino which hopefully, one day, will be released once again in parts of Kenya from which they have disappeared.

Expenditure: Year 2000 - Kshs 1,848,844.30( £12,839.48) ($23,390.18) and Year 2001 - 2,831,292.00 (£19,662.18) (35,819.37). This was put into the work in Lake Nakuru National Park in the years 2000 and 2001.

1999 report
Ben Hoskyns-Abrahall, RRT Trustee with special reference to Kenya, made an extended trip to Kenya in February and met with Dr. Richard Leakey, then Director of Kenya Wildlife Services.

The total estimate for the restoration project was approximately £30,000 (Kshs 4,319,905) ($54,652.18) and took two years to complete.

In pursuit of the "hands on" policy of Rhino Rescue, Jock Dawson, who was in charge of the work originally, agreed to return to Nakuru to oversee the restoration. He always had a soft spot for Nakuru and was delighted to be back there. He and his wife Enid took over a very small cottage (Bat Shit Cottage) at the southern end of the Park which they could use on their bi-monthly visits.

The Problem

El Nino washed out the culverts on four rivers entering the Park in May 1998. The Nderit, the Makalia, the Naishi and the Njoro. Nothing could be done to fence off the gaps and animals and locals had access!
No maintenance had been carried out on the fence and it was not working in several sections. The engine to the main borehole at Nganyoi was worn out; the Windmill (Reedbuck) site at Enasoit was not working, the solar panel and pump having disappeared. Generally the water supplies were in poor order.

There was also no transport for carrying materials within the park. The perimeter (chain link) fence was in a very bad state.

Fencing: Ten men were employed on a casual basis. These people cleared away the old culverts and temporarily fenced off gaps under the wire. They also cut grass under the bottom wire all round the park (80km) prior to spraying with a herbicide when the rains come. A quantity of small tools have been purchased for this purpose and efforts were made to find a herbicide which will last 12 months. Work began to speed up as the repaired tractor became available. Basic renewal of fence posts and insulators which started at Nganyoi reached the Hospital Beacon area. Straining of wires was done a week or more after new posts were placed to allow the cement to harden.

Power: Rhino Rescue purchased and installed the first energiser and battery on the Nderit station and that section was reading 7.7 thousand volts when tested (5.5 is adequate).

Equipment: With the tractor working, repairs to the Naishi tractor continued. The old RRT tractor was found at the Park workshops (dead) and was rebuilt by a very good friend of Rhino Rescue, Anthony Robinson, who ran a transport business in Nakuru. Cost was about £3,000 (Kshs 431,990.52) ($5,465.22).

Repairs were carried out to the Nganyoi Borehole engine but a replacement and standby engine was required. No sooner was the engine working than the pump stopped - no water. Rhino Rescue called in drillers who found some very serious problems. RRT paid for this major work. The pulley shaft for the mobile engine for Soysambu and Square Tank boreholes has been repaired and re-fitted.

Bridges: The remaining three good culverts were salvaged from the Njoro River to be used as necessary.

Ben and his son Harry Hoskyns-Abrahall measured up the bridge/culvert required on the Njoro River and Ben had the drawings in his office to try to "sell" the bridge to a sponsor who could feature a corporate name. If this was successful other small bridges could also be sponsored.

Troughs: Metal covers were fitted to the troughs to stop baboons tampering with ball valves. Also the leaking troughs were repaired.

Double-Cab Pick-up: It was planned to supply Jock with a double cab pick-up vehicle to carry out his duties in the Park. Up to this time he had been managing manfully with his own car.

Expenditure: Rhino Resue Trust put Kshs 2,111,306.90 (£14,662.18) ($26,710.66) into the work at Lake Nakuru National Park.

Further Action: When the rivers have been fenced off and the fence made secure Rhino Rescue can start rebuilding the culverts and attend to the water supplies. Parks have funds to repair the outer fence so that is not a priority. Realistically, locals will always get into the Park if they want to and this is more a question of security patrols than a fence.
There are said to be 22 white rhinos and 43 blacks in the Park but due to lack of patrols no-one really knows. Jock Dawson was arranging for one or two friends with aircraft to do an aerial count.

For more information and the location of Lake Nakuru National Park visit the Kenya Wildlife Service website. Click Here .

Please help this Project by going to the YOU CAN HELP page in this website
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Thank you!!

Rhino RescueTrust Kenya would like to thank the following people and organizations for their help and support in our projects in Lake Nakuru National Park.
US Fish & Wildlife Service
Jock and Enid Dawson
David Lawrence-Brown - Monsanto for providing the herbicide to keep the fence clear of grass.
Kenya Wildlife Service
Steve Wragg - Gallagher Power Fencing
Tom Armstrong - JB Drilling
Anthony and Cheryle Robinson
Ian and Hazel Marshall
The British Army
All the supporters of this special corner of earth