Nairobi: In a move aimed at restoring over 500 schemes of wetlands across Bomet County, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), the county government, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and the national government administration have launched a massive wetland reclamation campaign in the region. The initiative is set to restore wetlands that have been encroached upon, with focus on the expansive Cheptuiyet-Saoset Wetland in Isaik Sub-location, spanning 10 kilometres and extending to Kericho County.
According to Kenya News Agency, speaking during a sensitization baraza in the area, Bomet County Director of Environment-NEMA Samwel Nganga underscored the urgency of the initiative, citing that over 5,000 wetland schemes were at risk, with nearly 50% already converted into pastureland. He appealed to residents sitting on land designated as wetlands, water catchment, and riparian areas to willingly ease off and let the government agencies guide in their restoration for posterity.
Nganga stated, ‘We are committed to ensuring that environmental laws are fully enforced. Wetlands are crucial for biodiversity, and they must be protected. Moving forward, riparian lands will be safeguarded with a mandatory 30-meter buffer zone where only indigenous, non-exotic trees will be planted.’ He urged members of the public who have planted exotic tree species on their farms along the riparian and water catchment areas to promptly replace them with water-friendly indigenous tree varieties.
He mentioned that with help from relevant government agencies like NEMA and the Forestry Department, locals could get proper guidance on the right tree varieties for planting in riparian areas. At the same time, the county government has pledged full support for the initiative, with County Executive for Water, Environment, and Climate Change Solomon Kimetto announcing the provision of thousands of water-friendly trees to area residents for planting.
Kimetto said, ‘As a county government, we are standing with our people and our environment. Today, we have distributed 5,000 indigenous trees to residents as part of the wetland restoration efforts. This is just the beginning-we will continue supporting the initiative to protect our wetlands.’ The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has also joined the cause, committing to supplying water-conservative, non-exotic trees to the residents near wetland areas.
During the function, Bomet Central Forest Service Officer Bernard Mutai emphasized the importance of using indigenous species to sustain biodiversity and water retention. ‘The Forestry Service is ready to provide trees that will help conserve water in wetlands. By planting the right species, we can restore the natural balance and prevent further encroachment,’ Mutai noted. The move aligns with the national goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2030, a directive from the Kenyan government to combat climate change and restore degraded ecosystems.
In the sensitization event, over 5,000 indigenous trees were planted, an exercise attended by local National Government administration officials led by Singorwet Location Chief Joina Rono. The Chief reiterated the need to plant indigenous trees in wetlands and public forests, emphasizing their role in enhancing biodiversity and tourism. He called upon members of the public to embrace and support the government initiative towards reforestation and wetlands conservation by growing water-friendly trees and shrubbery.
Rono urged, ‘We must plant trees that support our ecosystem. Indigenous trees attract diverse bird species and wildlife, making our county a potential tourist destination. Let us all join hands to protect our natural resources.’ He observed that the wetland reclamation project marks a significant step toward restoring the dignity of Bomet’s natural resources. He added that with concerted efforts from the government, environmental agencies, and the community, the future of the county’s wetlands and forest cover looked promising.
The local community has welcomed the reclamation efforts, acknowledging the importance of wetlands conservation. Residents who attended the forum expressed their commitment to preserving these natural habitats.
