My Smithsonian Mpala Postdoctoral Fellowship investigated the effects of land use and water abstraction on the aquatic community within the Northern Ewaso Ng'iro River in Kenya. Working with colleagues from the National Museums of Kenya, we collected fish, macroinvertebrates, physiochemical, and physical characteristics at 10 localities monthly. This research is revealing the importance of land use and connectivity within the basin. We observed El Nino events that aided in repopulating upper stream reaches. Stable isotope analyses are allowing us to understand the aquatic food web, and genetic barcoding is aiding with identification of the aquatic macroinvertebrates. This project is also allowing us to better understand the reproductive biology and life history of these fishes. This study is critical as construction on a mega dam began in 2017 and will dramatically alter the community. Ongoing research will better understand the effects of the impoundment and the importance of the aquatic community in nutrient recycling. This project was funded by the Smithsonian Institution, and supported by Mpala, KENWEB, and NMK.