Nyeri County Executive for Water, Irrigation, Environment and Climate Change, Frederick Kinyua, has urged communities to reintroduce indigenous knowledge and practices in the conservation of wetlands.
Kinyua said continued degradation of the ecological sites, which are considered to be water sources, poses a threat to both the environment and the country’s rich cultural heritage.
The County Executive noted that wetlands have for a long time been central to traditional livelihoods, customs and community identities and their destruction risks eroding the cultural ties that were passed down through generations.
“In the past, our water sources, which are regarded as wetlands, used to have clean water. For centuries, communities have drawn water, food and medicines from these wetlands; therefore, they are part of our heritage, our traditions and our identity. So, we need to ask ourselves, how do we bring back the conventional methods of conserving our environment and how do we modify them to make them practical for the older and younger generations?” he said.
Kinyua spoke at Kahuru comprehensive school in Mathira sub-county during celebrations to mark World Wetlands day.
He observed that wetlands are valued not only for their ecological importance but also for their cultural relevance, having provided water, medicine and food for communities.
In Nyeri, he said, wetlands and riparian zones were traditionally regarded as sacred places closely associated with healing and religion.
“Today, these lifelines are under threat from urbanisation, unsustainable farming, and climate change. All these are eroding the ecological value and cultural heritage and what the ecosystem has to offer. If we lose our wetlands, we will definitely lose our heritage that is why today, more than ever, we must make this our call to action. Each and every one of us must make it their responsibility to conserve the environment and especially our wetlands,” Kinyua said.
He said that this year’s theme Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage, underscores the need for conservation efforts to move beyond policy frameworks and incorporate indigenous practices that safeguard the environment.
Kinyua revealed that the county government has already developed clear policies that will guide the conservation and prudent management of its 70 wetlands and riparian lands.
The County Executive said in the 2025/2026 financial year, the devolved entity had restored seven springs with 12 wetlands and springs being earmarked for protection in the 2026/2027 Financial Year.
“All government agencies must honour their role in committing resources, enforcing protection and ensuring wetlands are safeguarded both for ecological and cultural continuity. Policies must be lived out in practice and not just in paper so we are calling upon every partner who can come on board to help us restore these wetlands so they can start giving support and livelihood to our community,” he said.
The County Executive also urged Kenyans to embrace traditional medicine and plant indigenous trees alongside fruit trees, noting that environmental conservation should deliver tangible benefits to communities, including food, medicine and environmental protection.
His sentiments were echoed by Central Regional Director for the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Parnwell Simitu, who described wetlands as the kidneys of the earth.
Simitu noted that despite covering only six per cent of the earth’s surface, they play a critical role in stabilising key environmental functions.
The Director revealed that NEMA had carried out a nationwide inventory of wetlands and put in place elaborate management plans for the water sources.
He said the Authority has also stepped up the enforcement of existing laws to curb encroachment and prevent further destruction of wetlands.
By Wangari Mwangi
