Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale, has underscored the importance of preserving wetlands and natural ecosystems for the future generations.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Principal Secretary, State Department for Climate Change, Dr. Festus Ngeno, the Cabinet Secretary highlighted the importance of wetlands in water provision, tourism, and recreational activities.
Hon Duale, further, cautioned that insufficient conservation efforts will worsen environmental pollution and aggravate climate change leading to irreversible damage to the national biodiversity.
The CS spoke at Alliance Boys High School grounds, Kikuyu sub county, Kiambu County during celebrations to mark the 6th World Wetlands Day.
The annual event, observed on February 2, aims at raising awareness about the critical role played by wetlands in environmental conservation. This year’s theme was “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future.”
With regard to Ondiri Wetlands in Kiambu, Ngeno noted that besides being a source of several rivers like the Nairobi and Athi Rivers, it also provided essential water for both domestic and commercial use in Kikuyu Constituency.
“The wetland plays a key role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting biodiversity. It serves as a natural water filter by trapping pollutants and sediments, which is crucial for the health of surrounding ecosystems. It also provides habitat for various plant and animal species, some of which are unique and endangered,” Dr. Ngeno stated.
The principal, Alliance High school, David Kamau emphasized on the urgent need to step up measures to protect the Ondiri Wetlands.
He underscored the positive impacts of wetland conservation, such as flood control, improving water filtration and replenishing groundwater.
According to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Kenya State of Environment Report (2019-2021), wetlands including swamps, estuaries, mangroves, mudflats, and marshes cover about 3-4% of Kenya’s total land area, estimated at about 14,000 km².
The report emphasizes the importance of preserving national biodiversity as a major step in ensuring environmental health.
The Kikuyu Ward MCA, George Waweru, called on the government to prioritize funding for restoration of Kikuyu Springs and the need for aggressive tree-planting initiatives to strengthen conservation efforts.
During the occasion, the Director of Enforcement at NEMA, Ayub Macharia, presented awards to individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts towards wetland conservation.
The award recipients included Friends of Ondiri Wetlands, Friends of Rugiri Dam, Conics Limited, Alliance High School and the National Irrigation Authority.
Prof. David Ngugi was also honored for his remarkable work in wetland conservation.
The celebrations attracted participants from local schools, including Damacrest, Utafiti and Kikuyu Township primary schools and Alliance Boys High School.
The event was sponsored by various organizations including Dinkes, SHA, DT Sacco, Safaricom, Equity Bank, Kingdom Bank, the National Irrigation Authority and the Kiambu County Government.
By Nancy Akinyi and Joyritah Nyambura