Uaso

Uaso Nyiro, also spelled Ewaso Nyiro, is a major river in northern Kenya. It has its headwaters in the central Kenyan highlands and flows northward through Laikipia and Samburu counties, passing near Isiolo and Archer's Post.

The river supports a network of wetlands and riparian habitats, including the Lorian Swamp, a key seasonal wetland along its course. Its banks host several protected areas that are important for wildlife, such as the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Buffalo Springs National Reserve, and Samburu National Reserve.

Hydrology-wise, the Uaso Nyiro is a seasonal river whose flow varies with rainfall. It collects water from the highlands and sustains diverse habitats as it traverses arid and semi-arid landscapes. In its lower reaches, the river contributes to the Lorian Swamp and forms part of the Jubba River basin, with water eventually draining toward the Somali Sea through the Jubba system.

Economy and people around the river rely on it for pastoralist livelihoods, livestock watering, and some irrigation. The river also supports wildlife tourism through adjacent reserves and conservancies, making it a focal point for both conservation and local communities.

Conservation and management efforts focus on sustainable water use, protection of wetlands, and maintaining habitats for wildlife. The Uaso Nyiro faces pressures from drought, climate variability, and increasing human demand, prompting ongoing efforts to balance ecological health with social and economic needs.