Before it became Lake Victoria, the name of this waterbody was dependent on what side of its shores you stood.
On its western shores, it was Nalubaale, a Luganda word that means, “mother of guardian gods.” The Baganda believed that this lake was the source of power for their deities, and its fluid transparent nature made it a place of divination and transformation.
On its southern shores, it was Ukerewe, for it was the land of the Kerewe people. This community, which also goes by the name Nyanja, once inhabited this region before migrating further south and settling close to another lake. The name Nyanja, which means “a large body of water” was slightly altered over time to Nyanza, and this also became an accepted name for the lake.
On its eastern shores, it was Nam Lolwe. The Luo called it “the endless lake”, for if you cast your eyes as far as you could, there was never an end in sight. Despite the different names it held, the lake was a place of great significance for the communities that lived around it. Its fresh waters enabled them to till the land, herd their cattle, and cast their nets out to fish.
In 1858, the search for the source of the Nile River resulted in an expedition led by British explorer John Hanning Speke. He became the first European to set his eyes on this majestic waterbody, so he christened it Victoria after the reigning British monarch. This was the first and most notable change in the lake’s identity, and this became the name adapted in reference to its entirety. The second change occurred about 50 years down the line, during the scramble and partition of Africa. The three regions that Lake Victoria occupies came under different national territories. Nalubaale became a part of Uganda, Ukerewe fell under Tanzania, and Nam Lolwe under Kenya.
Despite the change in name, Lake Victoria is still a source of pride for the communities that dwell on its islands and along its shores. With a surface area of approximately 69,484 square kilometres, it is Africa’s largest lake, the world’s largest tropical lake, and the world’s second largest freshwater lake. It is the mouth of some of Kenya’s most significant western rivers, including Mara, Yala, Nyando, and Nzoia. These rivers, which trace their sources back to various highland regions, supply water to different parts of the country and fuel the livelihoods of millions of people. It is credited with the growth of Kisumu City, and towns such as Homa Bay, Busia, Siaya, and Migori.
There is much more to say about this lake, so share the facts, myths, and folklore you know about Nam Lolwe with us!
