Lake Kamnarok
Lake Kamnarok is a seasonal lake and one of the few ox-bow lakes in Kenya, found at the base of the Kerio Valley. The name originated from the Kalenjin word Narok, which is used to refer to a species of water plant that was widely found in the lake. Thick mash surrounds the lake, making accessibility challenging.
| Lake Kamnarok and Lake Kanyaboli in Alego, Siaya County. | |
|---|---|
Lake Kamnarok in the middle of Kerio Valley when viewed from Anin Escarpment,Above Songeto | |
Lake Kamnarok and Lake Kanyaboli in Alego, Siaya County. Lake Kamnarok and Lake Kanyaboli in Alego, Siaya County. | |
| Location | Kerio Valley |
| Coordinates | 0°38′N 35°37′E |
| Type | oxbow lake |
| Primary inflows | Kerio River |
| Primary outflows | Kerio River |
| Basin countries | Kenya |
| Surface area | 1 km2 (0.39 sq mi) |
The lake occupies an area of approximately 1 km2 however being a seasonal lake, the size may at times be much smaller. It was in existence before 1961 but the flood rains of that year led to its enlargement. The flooding disaster saw people living in the area being evacuated in order to save lives. Helicopters were used during the evacuation exercise to airlift people to the higher ground of Maab Konga - a hill near Muchukwo trading centre.