Dr Lydia Olaka the National Geopark Committee Vice Chair honored to guide Olaf Scholz The Chancellor of Germany in the Great Rift Valley during his State Visit to Kenya in May 2023
Olaf Scholz The Chancellor of Germany made a state visit to Kenya on 5th -6th May 2023 as part of strengthening bilateral relationships between Kenya and Germany. After meetings with Government Officials led by H.E President William Ruto, the following day the Chancellor visited a geothermal power plant at Lake Naivasha on Saturday 6th May 2023. As part of exploring collaboration in Geothermal energy.
During this visit to the Great Rift Valley, Dr Olaka had the privilege to accompany and guide the Chancellor and the Hon. Salim Mvurya Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs. During this excursion, Dr Olaka took the opportunity to explain the geological formations and the role of geology in explaining the rich geothermal endowments in Kenya and how thus can spur sustainable development.
Regional Capacity building for Africa
Date: 6 to 10 November 2022
Venue: Baringo
Events, Places & Activities
Geological processes in the Rift Valley system and ongoing volcano-tectonic activities have resulted in the formation of key geo-tourism areas, which are significant for the existence and survival of the population of lesser and greater flamingos. These sites include
- Caldera formations in Paka, Londiani and Kiplombe
- Hot springs and geysers in L. Bogoria, L. Baringo, Cheparwas, Releng, Emining and Arus
- Important archaeological sites where the earliest human fossils hail from
- Ng'niot View point- it has spectacular views of escarpment and imposing fault scarps/cliffs, views of inactive fluorspar mine, winding and steep section of the Kabarnet-Iten road, foot bridge crossing the gorge
- Releng Hot Springs/Kosirsir cliff and water falls- this site comprises of hot spring, cliffs, waterfalls, scenic V-shaped valleys and diverse bird species. Additionally, it is regarded as a sacred area
- Simoot Twin Falls- the falls offers great views of Nuregoi hill and Kerio valley areas, with diverse flora and fauna
- Bartabwa Ngenyin Kabarsero/ Kaborion/ Toicho Archaeological Cave, Rondinin fossil site and Frog Rock- the site is home to the earliest human fossils, and other fauna species
- Mangar Rock falls and water springs- this site is comprised of different rock units such as basalt, trachyte, phonolite, with volcanic, and tectonic big boulders and springs flowing through it
- L. Baringo cluster (Ruko Conservancy and Kokwa Islands, Island Camp and other Islands + Hot springs)- bubbling pool of hot water springs, geysers at Olkokwa Island which is an active tectonic/volcanic zone
- Lake Bogoria National Reserve Sites- the site has hot and warm springs and geysers on which there are natural spas, fumaroles, cliffs and Eastern Rift escarpment, viewpoints, erosion features, ant hills and trona formation
- Tugmoi Migratory Observation Site/ Lembus Forest Reserve- this site is a view point of Elgeyo escarpments and the source (headwater) of Kerio River.
The main tourism attractions within the Baringo Great Rift Valley Geopark include birdwatching, wildlife viewing, cultural heritage, visits to prehistoric sites, sightseeing, gastronomy, festivals, sport fishing, butterfly watching, hot spring and gushing geyser. The scenic features of the Rift Valley such as the Mt. Tiaty in Baringo North, Tugen Hills, Elgeyo and Laikipia escarpments are spectacular tourist attractions some of which are popular for hiking, paragliding, motor sports/rhino charge and geotrail adventures.
The region also hosts a number of cultural festivals which include among others the Kerio Valley Festival, Simoot Cultural festival, Lembus Cultural festival, Cycling events, Birdwatching (annual bird migration) events and Kaldich boat race. Besides their economic contribution, these festivals also celebrate cultural diversity and foster cultural identities, peace, social cohesion, and socio-economic development in the geopark.