Turkwel River facts for kids

Dry riverbed of the Turkwel river, just outside Lodwar town in Turkana County, Kenya

The Turkwel River (sometimes spelled Turkwell River) is an important river in East Africa. It starts high up on Mount Elgon, a large volcano found on the border between Kenya and Uganda. From there, it flows all the way to Lake Turkana, which is sometimes called the "Jade Sea" because of its amazing green color.

River's Journey and Names

The Turkwel River has a long journey and even changes its name along the way!

From Source to Lake

When the river first begins its flow from Mount Elgon, it's known as the Suam River. It keeps this name as it travels through the beautiful landscapes near the border of Kenya and Uganda. As it reaches the border with the West Pokot County in Kenya, its name changes to Turkwel. This shows how rivers can have different names depending on the areas they pass through.

What "Turkwel" Means

The name "Turkwel" comes from the Turkana language, which is spoken by the Turkana people who live in the region. In their language, the river is called Tir-kol. This name means "a river that withstands the wilderness." This is a great description because the Turkwel River often flows through dry, wild areas, bringing life to the plants and animals there.

Importance of the Turkwel River

The Turkwel River is very important for the people and wildlife in the areas it flows through.

Water for Life

Even though some parts of the riverbed can look dry, especially during certain times of the year, the Turkwel River is a vital source of water. It provides water for drinking, for animals, and for farming in a region that doesn't get a lot of rain. This makes it a lifeline for many communities.

Supporting Wildlife

The river and the areas around it are home to various types of wildlife. Animals depend on the river for water, especially in the dry seasons. The river's path creates green areas where plants can grow, providing food and shelter for different creatures.

Turkwel Gorge Dam

A big project on the Turkwel River is the Turkwel Gorge Dam. This dam was built to help control the river's flow and to generate electricity for the country. It's an example of how people use rivers to create energy and manage water resources.

Images for kids

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  Seen entering Lake Turkana