Nakuru: The Nakuru County Government has launched a comprehensive initiative aimed at restoring natural wetlands to mitigate the impact of climate change and enhance resilience among residents. Dr. Nelson Maara, the County Executive for Water, Environment, Energy, Climate Change and Natural Resources, emphasized the urgency of this programme, noting that climate change ranks second only to terrorism in triggering intercommunal conflicts in Kenya, according to last year’s national security survey.
According to Kenya News Agency, the county, in collaboration with state agencies, research institutions, and environmental organizations, is actively working to rehabilitate riparian land by planting indigenous trees that were previously cut down by illegal loggers and small-scale farmers. This effort is part of a broader strategy to develop nature-based solutions for ecosystem preservation, as discussed in a meeting hosted by Dr. Maara with representatives from the Climate Investment Fund.
Dr. Maara highlighted th
e importance of conserving riparian land, which serves as a vital component of ecosystems and habitats for humans and animals. He stressed the need for enhanced capacity building, training, and sensitization programs to support conservation and restoration efforts. The wetlands restoration initiative aligns with the presidential directive to plant 15 billion trees and supports global discussions on climate change mitigation and greenhouse gas reduction strategies.
Wetlands, as Dr. Maara explained, function as natural sponges that absorb and filter excess nutrients, pollutants, and sediments, thereby purifying water and preventing flooding. They also provide essential habitats for biodiversity, including migratory birds, fish, and other wildlife. Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining water cycles, reducing temperature extremes, and acting as carbon sinks, thus contributing to climate change mitigation.
The county government, along with stakeholders, has begun rehabilitating riparian land around Lake Na
ivasha, planting acacia trees and papyrus. Dr. Maara underscored the importance of protecting water catchment areas and urged farmers to maintain a 30-meter buffer zone between their farms and rivers. Governor Susan Kihika’s administration has established public-private partnerships to encourage sustainable farming practices.
The United Nations Environment Programme recognizes wetlands as among the world’s most productive ecosystems, providing flood control, water purification, biodiversity conservation, and climate regulation services. Environmental experts note that wetlands slow floodwaters and distribute them across floodplains, offering critical ecosystem services, especially in Africa, which faces severe climate change impacts.
Global Wetland Outlook report 2021 indicates a 35 percent loss of wetlands since 1970 due to land use changes and climate impacts, leading to degradation and loss. Representatives from the World Bank, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Forest Service, National Environment Management
Authority, Water Services Regulatory Board, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands authority, and the National Environment Trust Fund were present at the meeting.