Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has declared plans to take a comprehensive inventory and mapping of all the wetlands in the county, as it will guide the planning, restoration and sustainable use of ecosystems in line with national policies.
The Governor made the remarks in a speech read on her behalf by Chief Officer Environment Simon Kitheka during the commemoration of World Wetlands Day at the Mutaki Dam in Mua Hills.
Wavinya said the County Government would continue to strengthen the protection of springs, rivers and wetlands for present and future generations.
She added that this protection of wetlands would be through investing in water harvesting and conservation initiatives, enhancing community enlightenment and enforcement of environmental laws while working closely with National government agencies and other stakeholders.
“Wetlands cushion our communities against drought, protect us during floods, support food security and strengthen livelihoods and so environmental conservation remains a sentimental pillar of our county integrated plan,” said Wavinya.
Further, with this year’s theme being “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage”, she disclosed that long before modern policies and laws, Kamba ancestors valued and protected nature and understood how springs and trees must be safeguarded and preserved and called on residents to maintain the same spirit.
“Indigenous wisdom sustained our communities through harsh climatic conditions today we reaffirm that traditional knowledge remains relevant and must be preserved and passed on to future generations,” added the governor.
However, Wavinya called on Machakos residents to face the current harsh reality that wetlands face, such as the increasing pressure from encroachment, deforestation, unregulated farming, pollution and the growing impact of climate change that threatens their livelihoods.
“When wetlands are degraded, then women and children will have to walk long distances for water, while diseases increase, and livelihoods are threatened and poverty deepens,” she warned.
The governor called on other stakeholders, such as The National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the Tana and Athi rivers Development Authority (TARDA), to unite in strengthening the restoration of wetlands.
NEMA County Director Vincent Oyoo reiterated that wetlands are under a threat and Machakos should have a conclusive database of all the wetlands to monitor their status and for global environmental, social and economic stability.
He further sent a stern warning and swore to take action against culprits who discharge sewage and waste on wetlands while noting that “Wetlands are not wastelands, and it’s everyone’s responsibility to protect the environment and wetlands.”
By Anne Kangero
