Masinga Dam Resort became a hub for environmental action this World Environment Day, as conservation leaders, government officials and local communities gathered to champion the protection of the dam and its vital catchment areas.
The forum drew key stakeholders from the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), a team of National Government Administrative Officers, KALRO, Water Resources Authority (WRA), Kenya Forest Service (KFS), KenGen and TARDA, which affirmed joint commitment to sustainable environmental practices and stronger enforcement.
Masinga Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Bill Junior Kituzi, who spoke during the celebrations, said urgent intervention was needed to safeguard catchment areas, check illegal sand harvesting, deforestation and disappearance of indigenous tree species.
Machakos County NEMA Director, Vincent Oloo, warned that the misuse of water catchment areas continues to degrade ecosystems and threaten water resources feeding the dam.
He further noted that deforestation, unregulated farming and pollution destroy the spongy soil that filters water and regulates flow, leading to severe downstream water shortages, devastating floods and widespread contamination.
The event moved beyond dialogue to action. Participants planted trees at the resort to mark long-term stewardship, while hundreds of seedlings were distributed to residents.
Hands-on training for the residents and participants covered proper tree planting, after care and alternative livelihoods like beekeeping, which brings income without cutting trees, complete with safe honey harvesting demonstrations.
The forum pushed for concrete solutions: collective responsibility, smart farming, strict protection of water catchment zones, and large-scale tree planting to rehabilitate damaged landscapes and secure Masinga Dam for future generations.
Students from St. Martins Kaewa Junior Secondary and Kathiani Secondary School, together with Syokimau traditional dancers used performances to further drive home conservation messages.
By Anne Kangero and Annah Mukulu
