Machakos: Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has announced plans to undertake a comprehensive inventory and mapping of all wetlands within the county to guide planning, restoration, and sustainable use of ecosystems in alignment with national policies. The Governor’s remarks were delivered by Chief Officer Environment Simon Kitheka during the World Wetlands Day celebration at Mutaki Dam in Mua Hills.
According to Kenya News Agency, Wavinya emphasized the County Government’s commitment to strengthening the protection of springs, rivers, and wetlands for present and future generations. She highlighted that this protection would involve investing in water harvesting and conservation initiatives, enhancing community awareness, enforcing environmental laws, and collaborating with national government agencies and other stakeholders.
Governor Wavinya remarked, “Wetlands cushion our communities against drought, protect us during floods, support food security, and strengthen livelihoods, making environmental conservation a core component of our county integrated plan.” She also noted that the current year’s theme, ‘Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage,’ aligns with indigenous Kamba practices that revered and safeguarded nature. Wavinya urged residents to continue this tradition of conservation.
Despite the historical appreciation of nature, the governor urged Machakos residents to confront the harsh realities facing wetlands today, including encroachment, deforestation, unregulated farming, pollution, and the growing impact of climate change. She warned that the degradation of wetlands would lead to adverse effects such as increased distances to water sources for women and children, heightened diseases, threatened livelihoods, and deeper poverty.
Governor Wavinya called on stakeholders like The National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), and the Tana and Athi rivers Development Authority (TARDA) to collaborate in reinforcing wetland restoration efforts. NEMA County Director Vincent Oyoo echoed the governor’s concerns, emphasizing the need for a conclusive wetlands database to monitor their status and ensure global environmental, social, and economic stability. He also issued a stern warning against those who pollute wetlands, asserting, “Wetlands are not wastelands, and it’s everyone’s responsibility to protect them.”
