Kaptalamwa: Residents of Kaptalamwa in Lelan ward, Marakwet West sub-county, have been urged to avoid any foreign activities within 30 meters from the highest water mark of the Kaptalamwa A and B wetlands, which contribute their waters to Lake Victoria and Turkana, respectively.
According to Kenya News Agency, Elgeyo Marakwet County, NEMA Director Stephen Kimuttu emphasized the importance of allowing the natural regeneration of vegetation within the wetland, and encouraged the planting of only indigenous trees in the riparian areas. Speaking at an event marking World Wetlands Day, which was presided over by Iten Senior Principal Magistrate Gladys Adhiambo, Kimuttu highlighted the critical role wetlands play in maintaining the water cycle. He described wetlands as natural sponges that absorb water during rains to prevent flooding and gradually release it during dry periods to ensure continuous water availability.
Kimuttu advised local residents to fetch water and pasture from the wetlands for domestic use and livestock, cautioning against allowing animals to graze directly in the wetlands to prevent pollution. He urged farmers to avoid contaminating the water by using clean jugs instead of dipping jerricans directly into it. Additionally, Kimuttu recommended digging terraces and planting napier grass on farms adjoining wetlands to prevent chemical-laden soil from flowing into these sensitive areas.
Kimuttu praised the Kaptalamwa residents for preserving the riparian areas owned by the county, ensuring indigenous trees remain undisturbed. However, he criticized a contractor working on the Makutano-Kaptalamwa-Kapyego road for damaging a protective fence, giving the contractor a 14-day ultimatum to repair the fence and clean up solid waste, failing which legal action would be pursued.
The proximity of the wetlands to an expanding urban center poses a risk of pollution from human waste and plastic litter from picnickers. Kimuttu called for responsible behavior from visitors to preserve the wetland’s health.
Magistrate Adhiambo stressed that environmental protection is a collective responsibility, encouraging residents to legally challenge anyone harming the environment. Residents, represented by Hassan Kwambai, appealed to the government for a water project to supply clean water as recognition for their conservation efforts. They also requested the construction of a classroom and employment opportunities for local youth.
