The restoration of Ondiri, Kenya’s largest peat wetland

The waters of Ondiri Wetland flow quietly, winding through Kikuyu town in Kiambu County. A worn but sturdy wooden bridge arches over a narrow stream. Birds flit between reeds, their chirping blending with the rustle of leaves. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth—a reminder of the bog beneath, Kenya’s largest peat wetland and the source of Athi River, one of the country’s major river basins.

 It is the eve of World Wetlands Day and some conservationists are planting trees along the stream.

During the celebrations in Kikuyu on February 2, the government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting wetlands as vital ecosystems. In a speech delivered on his behalf by Climate Change PS Festus Ngeno, Environment, Climate Change and Forestry CS Aden Duale emphasised the role of wetlands in water provision, tourism and recreation. “The wetland plays a key role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting biodiversity. It serves as a natural water filter by trapping pollutants and sediments, which is crucial for the health of surrounding ecosystems. It also provides habitat for various plant and animal species, some of which are unique and endangered.”

 The CS further warned that neglecting wetland conservation would exacerbate pollution, accelerate climate change and cause irreversible damage to biodiversity.

 The event, held at Alliance Boys High School, brought together conservationists, government officials and community members. This year’s theme, “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,” underscores the urgent need for stronger conservation efforts amid growing environmental threats.

 According to the United Nations Environment Programme (Unep), wetlands are the unsung heroes of the climate crisis. These ecosystems store more carbon than any other environment, absorb excess rainfall, and provide refuge to 40 per cent of the world’s plant and animal species. Yet, they are vanishing at an alarming rate. A recent report by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands warns that wetlands are vanishing three times faster than forests. 

 The upcoming 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention (COP15) in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, is expected to be a turning point for global wetland conservation. Delegates from 172 countries, including Kenya, will discuss strategies to reverse wetland loss and push for stronger international commitments.

 Kenya is home to more than 12,000 wetlands, covering about three-four per cent of its total land area. These ecosystems provide water for agriculture, drinking, and industry, while also acting as flood buffers and biodiversity sanctuaries. Yet, only six Kenyan wetlands are recognised as Ramsar sites of international importance, despite the country’s growing water crisis.

 The State of Kenya’s Key Biodiversity Areas Report highlighted the degradation of 68 biodiversity hotspots, including crucial wetlands. Despite its ecological importance, Ondiri has suffered years of exploitation—used as an illegal dumping site, subjected to agricultural encroachment, and drained by unregulated boreholes.   Determined to reverse this destruction, Friends of Ondiri Wetland, led by David Wakogeh, has been at the forefront of conservation efforts. Since 2016, the group has worked tirelessly to raise awareness, push for legal protection and implement restoration initiatives.

 Climate Action spoke with Mr Wakogeh, who shared insights into the struggle to save Ondiri and why wetland conservation is a battle for survival.

 Introduce yourself and tell us about your role in wetland conservation

 I am the coordinator of Friends of Ondiri Wetland, an organisation that has been working to restore and protect Ondiri since 2016.

 What is the significance of Ondiri Wetland for your community?

 Ondiri is the biggest water reservoir in Kikuyu constituency and plays a major role in carbon sequestration. Being a peat bog - a wetland that accumulates peat, a type of soil made from dead plants­, it absorbs about 30 per cent of atmospheric carbon, making it one of the most critical climate change mitigation sites in our region.

Beyond that, Ondiri provides water for agriculture, supporting thousands of livelihoods. Communities within a five-kilometre radius rely on its underground water recharge for farming and daily use.

 Do you think people still understand the deep bond between wetlands and human survival, or has that connection faded over time?

Very much. Across the world, wetlands are seen as wastelands rather than life-supporting ecosystems. This ignorance has led to rampant encroachment and destruction.

Wetlands are biodiversity hotspots, home to countless plant and animal species. But as human activities increase, we are seeing an alarming rate of biodiversity loss. Once a wetland is gone, it doesn’t regenerate easily.

 And this happened in Kikuyu as well…

 Yes, especially before 2016. We have neighbouring wetlands like Karai, where more than 10,000 people have illegally encroached. When it rains, those settlements flood because water will always find its way.
 Another wetland has been grabbed and built over, causing massive biodiversity loss. At Ondiri, however, we have managed to stop encroachment through community involvement and conservation diplomacy.

 Conservation diplomacy?

Instead of using forceful evictions, we educate the community on why wetlands matter. We show them the long-term benefits of conservation, and they, in turn, become protectors of the wetland.

 What does wetland conservation mean to you personally?

 I have always been passionate about protecting nature. Interestingly, my birthday falls on February 2, World Wetlands Day. In 2016, I was called by the then District Commissioner, who told me, "David, if you're going to be remembered for anything, let it be Ondiri." That moment changed my life.

 Kenya is set to participate in Ramsar COP15 in Zimbabwe. What are your thoughts on this?  This is historic—it’s the first time an international wetland convention is coming to Africa. It’s a chance for Africa to push for greater recognition of its wetlands.

For example, Kenya has over 12,000 wetlands, but only six have been designated as Wetlands of International Importance under Ramsar. Compare that to Uganda, which has 22. We must push for more wetlands to be protected.We are planning a road trip to Zimbabwe for the summit. But this won’t be an ordinary trip. We will stop at major wetlands along the way, engaging communities and raising awareness. It’s a chance to highlight how interconnected wetland conservation is across Africa.

 How has the water crisis impacted residents in Kikuyu?

 Ondiri recharges the underground boreholes that supply water to over 1,000 boreholes in Kikuyu. When wetlands disappear, water levels drop, forcing people to drill deeper—a costly and unsustainable solution.

 What challenges have you faced in this conservation work?

 Politics. Politicians often tell people what they want to hear, not what is best for the environment. Wetland conservation requires long-term planning, but politicians think in election cycles. Sometimes our efforts clash with their agendas.

 If Ondiri were gone tomorrow, what would happen?

 Kikuyu town would cease to exist. People settle where there is water, and without Ondiri, there would be no water. Downstream communities, including parts of Nairobi, would also suffer as Ondiri is the recharge source for the Athi River basin.

 In three years, we have eliminated encroachment, planted indigenous trees, and cleaned the water. There are now nature trails, benches and a growing awareness among locals about the wetland’s importance.

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