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Kenya’s Wetlands Under Threat: Communities Rise to the Challenge

 

By Hilda Atika- Kakamega, Kenya

Every year on February 2nd, the world comes together to observe World Wetlands Day, an international event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of wetlands.

The 2025 theme, “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,” emphasizes the urgent need for conservation efforts to safeguard these vital ecosystems for future generations.

This celebration dates back to 1971, when environmentalists gathered to reaffirm their commitment to protecting these vital ecosystems, natural water bodies rich in plant life and organisms that play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.

Wetlands act as natural water filters, carbon sinks, and flood control buffers, providing habitats for diverse flora and fauna. They support millions of people globally by sustaining agriculture, fisheries, and biodiversity.

However, despite their significance, wetlands face increasing threats from urbanization, pollution, deforestation, and encroachment.

Key wetlands such as Yala Swamp, the Lake Victoria Basin wetlands, Tana River Delta, and Nairobi River wetlands are under pressure due to rapid population growth, industrialization, and climate change.

In Kakamega County, wetlands are critical for biodiversity and water regulation, yet they are also threatened by human activities. Conservation efforts, including the Kakamega Forest Wetland Rehabilitation Initiative and the restoration of Isukha and Malava wetlands, aim to reverse the damage and protect these ecosystems.

Recognizing the need for action, various stakeholders in Kakamega County have initiated conservation and rehabilitation efforts.

The Western Cross Express Company, in partnership with the County Government of Kakamega, has launched a monthly town-wide cleanup campaign to promote environmental responsibility. During these exercises, Community Health Promoters (CHPs) educate the public on the importance of wetland conservation and proper waste disposal.

To combat pollution and encourage sustainable waste management, the Kakamega County Investment and Development Agency (KCIDA), led by CEO Elizabeth Asichi, is spearheading an organic waste recycling initiative.

Speaking to students at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), Asichi emphasized the significance of the Western Regional Organic Fertilizer Plant, a project developed in collaboration with Practical Action, an NGO, and other stakeholders.

The plant converts organic waste into fertilizer, reducing environmental pollution while improving soil fertility.

“We want our organic waste to be used to produce something that enhances soil health and helps Kakamega become the cleanest town in Kenya,” Asichi stated.

To foster long-term conservation efforts, educational institutions are playing a crucial role. MMUST, in collaboration with Matawa Industrial Park, provides attachment opportunities for students pursuing environmental conservation courses.

By engaging in research and practical wetland conservation projects, students gain essential knowledge and skills to safeguard Kenya’s wetlands for future generations.

To curb wetland degradation, Kakamega County has launched reforestation and wetland restoration programs. Conservation groups and local communities are actively involved in tree-planting initiatives near wetland areas, which help enhance water retention, prevent soil erosion, and restore degraded ecosystems.

Efforts are also being made to control invasive species that threaten wetland biodiversity.

As Kenya joins the world in marking World Wetlands Day, stakeholders are calling for stronger policies and enforcement measures to protect these invaluable ecosystems. The public is urged to adopt sustainable land-use practices, reduce pollution, and support conservation programs.

Wetlands are not just ecological assets; they are essential for human survival. Their protection requires a collective effort from governments, organizations, and individuals.

As we celebrate this important day, let us reaffirm our commitment to preserving and restoring wetlands—for a healthier planet and a sustainable future.

 

 

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