A growing environmental concern is emerging around some Kenyan lakes as rising water levels force crocodiles and other wildlife closer to areas inhabited by people, increasing the possibility of dangerous encounters.
For communities living near lakes and rivers, the changing water levels have brought significant disruption to daily life.
Homes, farms, roads and other infrastructure have been affected in several areas, while wildlife is also being pushed from its usual habitats.
Among the animals increasingly coming into contact with residents are crocodiles, raising fears about attacks on people and livestock.
Crocodiles generally remain close to water bodies where they can hunt, rest and reproduce. However, when water levels change dramatically, their normal territories can be altered.
Flooding may cover nesting and resting areas, while changes in shorelines can bring crocodiles closer to settlements that were previously separated from their habitat.
For residents, the presence of crocodiles near homes can create a serious safety concern. People who depend on lakes and rivers for fishing, farming, washing and other daily activities may find themselves sharing increasingly narrow spaces with the reptiles.
Children are particularly vulnerable because they may not always recognise the danger posed by crocodiles.
Residents living near affected water bodies may also face risks when animals move through flooded areas, drainage channels or other pathways that connect the lake to residential areas.
The problem is further complicated by the fact that rising water can force people themselves to move closer to areas occupied by wildlife.
Families whose homes or farms have been affected by flooding may relocate temporarily to higher ground, sometimes unknowingly settling closer to animal habitats.
Kenya's lakes have experienced significant fluctuations in water levels over the years, with some communities facing repeated flooding and environmental changes. Factors such as heavy rainfall, changes in river flows, catchment degradation and broader climate patterns can influence water levels.
The changing environment can also affect the availability of food for wildlife. When fish and other prey move to different areas, crocodiles may follow them.
This can bring the reptiles closer to fishing grounds and human settlements, increasing the likelihood of encounters.
Authorities and conservation organisations have traditionally advised communities living near crocodile habitats to maintain a safe distance from the animals and avoid approaching or provoking them. Residents are also encouraged to exercise caution when fetching water, fishing or travelling near the shoreline.
Experts say communities should report crocodile sightings, particularly when the animals are found in residential areas or locations frequently used by children and livestock.
Early reporting can allow wildlife authorities to assess the situation and determine whether intervention is necessary.
At the same time, conservationists stress that crocodiles are an important part of aquatic ecosystems and should not simply be viewed as dangerous pests.
The reptiles play a role in maintaining ecological balance, meaning efforts to protect people must also take wildlife conservation into account.
The challenge, therefore, is finding a balance between human safety and the protection of animals whose habitats are increasingly being affected by environmental changes.
For residents living near affected lakes, however, the immediate concern is safety. Everyday activities that once seemed routine can become risky when crocodiles appear closer to homes, farms and fishing areas.
As water levels continue to change, communities may need to adapt by strengthening awareness, improving early-warning systems and working closely with wildlife authorities.
What may appear to be a simple rise in lake water can have far-reaching consequences. Beyond flooded homes and damaged farmland, changing shorelines can reshape the relationship between people and wildlife.
For Kenyan families living along lake shores, the arrival of crocodiles closer to their homes is a stark reminder that environmental changes can create unexpected dangers.
As the waters continue to shift, residents and authorities face the difficult task of keeping communities safe while protecting the wildlife that depends on these same ecosystems.