By Dan Kaburu
Africa’s second-highest peak, Mount Kenya, is on the brink of losing its iconic glaciers within the next six years. A recent report from the Kenya Meteorological Department paints a stark picture of the future of the glaciers and the rivers they feed—vital water sources in Kenya. The report warns that unless drastic measures are taken, Mount Kenya’s glaciers will vanish by 2030. However, Stellah Kaburu, an avid mountaineer with over 25 years of climbing experience, believes the glaciers could be gone even sooner.
“Fifteen years ago, Mount Kenya was blanketed in glaciers, a spectacular sight. Now, the remaining ice could be scooped up with a bucket,” Stellah lamented. “It’s heartbreaking to see the glaciers melting away due to human-induced climate change,” she adds.
Once pristine and white, the ice is now tinged with a brownish hue due to dust—a phenomenon previously unseen. Stella points out that invasive plant species have encroached upon several lakes on the mountain, including Lake Ellis. “The glaciers’ color has changed because of the dust and the encroachment of invasive plants. This shift has dramatically altered the landscape,” Stellah explains.
Mount Kenya is a crucial water source, feeding rivers that contribute to 28% of the country’s hydroelectric power generation. The disappearance of these glaciers is expected to lead to a significant decrease in water flow, jeopardizing hydroelectric output and impacting food production in the surrounding counties. In 2019, the loss was already evident as more than ten rivers originating from Mount Kenya completely dried up, leaving millions of people and wildlife struggling for water.
The once-familiar sounds of flowing streams and rivers in Mount Kenya’s moorlands are now silent. Stellah connects this local issue to a broader global phenomenon: “Climate change, driven by human activities, is not just affecting Mount Kenya but also Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest peak in Africa.” The ramifications extend beyond Kenya. The melting of glaciers contributes to rising sea levels, threatening to submerge islands and displace thousands of people worldwide.
According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, there is little hope for reversing the glacier loss at this stage. The millions who rely on the mountain’s rivers for water are likely to face severe shortages, which could exacerbate conflicts over water resources. To address these challenges, communities downstream may need to adopt water harvesting strategies to mitigate the impacts of dwindling water supplies.
As Mount Kenya’s glaciers continue to retreat, the urgency to address climate change and its effects becomes ever more critical. The time to act is now if we are to preserve the mountain’s precious resources and protect the livelihoods that depend on them.
