Over ninety-five percent of the country’s vital wetlands have vanished, an environmental advocate has warned, highlighting the severe ecological consequences of widespread neglect and unchecked development. David Wakogy, CEO of Friends of Ondiri Wetland, emphasized the critical danger posed by this extensive degradation and stressed the urgent need for public education on environmental conservation.
Wakogy attributed the primary causes of wetland destruction in both urban and rural areas to relentless population pressure. He explained that high demand for housing has led individuals to illegally acquire public lands within wetlands for constructing homes and businesses, further exacerbating the problem. Human activities, including the clearing of trees and natural vegetation, also expose these fragile ecosystems, making them more susceptible to drying out.
The Ondiri Wetland in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, once teetered on the brink of complete disappearance due to extensive neglect and illegal land appropriation. A pivotal moment for its preservation occurred in 2016 following a crucial meeting with Paul Famba, then Deputy County Commissioner. Famba, now CEO of the Public Service Commission, galvanized local groups to initiate conservation efforts for wetlands and their surrounding water sources, particularly Ondiri, a critical feeder for the Nairobi River.
Following this renewed impetus, environmentalists launched a robust public awareness campaign, successfully reclaiming 3.3 hectares of previously encroached land. Wakogy passionately described the wetland’s prior state, noting its dignity had been stripped, its riparian zones seized for unsustainable farming, and its vegetation destroyed by those exploiting resources for personal gain.
Since this turning point, Wakogy has actively engaged government officials, fellow environmentalists, and prominent figures to rally support for the cause. He also organizes marathons to generate funds and elevate public understanding. The Friends of Ondiri Wetland will host the Ondiri Wetland Conservation Run on January 31, 2026, featuring 5km, 10km, and 21km races, with registration currently open at the Ondiri Wetland Information Center.
In conjunction with the run, the organization will stage a business expo from January 30 to 31, aiming to attract 10,000 participants with free admission. Juvenalis Nyota, an environmentalist from Lari, underscored the immense value of such initiatives. He affirmed the importance of attendance, stating his team would learn and benchmark their own conservation endeavors.
Wakogy confirmed invitations extended to representatives from various government environmental departments. Through persistent advocacy, the Ondiri Wetland has now been placed under the jurisdiction of the Nairobi Water Commission, securing its future management. The organization plans to utilize proceeds from these events to develop nature trails, construct bird-watching towers, and build a 700-seat amphitheater, enhancing both conservation and public engagement with the wetland.
