The Department of Water, Environment and Climate Change in partnership with stakeholders, led in planting a total of 20,000 indigenous trees at Mahoya Hill in Tetu, Nyeri County in commemoration of this year’s World Water Day.
The activity which began with a procession at Ihururu Trading Center also served as a rallying call to safeguard endangered water catchment areas in the County.
Water and Sanitation Providers Association (WASPA), Chair Mr Thomas Odongo, who was Chief Guest during the event commended the County Government for the bid, terming it a demonstration of continued leadership in advancing sustainable water management.
“The tree planting exercise we undertook this morning is closely linked to this mission. Healthy ecosystems are the backbone of sustainable water supply. By protecting and restoring water catchment areas such as Nyeri Hill, we are investing in the long-term availability and quality of water. It is a practical reminder that environmental conservation and water management, must go hand in hand,” said Odongo.
“At the same time, we cannot ignore the realities we are currently facing as a country. The heavy rains being experienced across many parts of Kenya have led to flooding, affecting homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. While we work to expand access to water, we must also strengthen our systems to withstand extreme weather conditions,” Odongp appealed.
Odongo singled water as a driver of inclusive development and therefore stressed on the need to involve all in conserving this critical resource.
He noted that this critical obligation is amplified in this year’s theme “Water and Gender – Where Water Flows, Equality Grows,” that emphasizes that access to reliable and safe water enables communities to thrive and enhances overall well-being.
“The theme of gender equality further challenges us to ensure that water services are inclusive and responsive to the needs of all. Equitable access to water strengthens communities and supports balanced development,” he said.
He also commended Governor, Dr Mutahi Kahiga, and his Administration for advancing environmental conservation efforts in the region and pointed out that the move had kept the county ahead of the pack on matters of caring for the ecosystem.
Odongo promised to continue partnering with all stakeholders in improving service delivery to the country and ensuring there is availability of resources to meet the growing needs of the nation.
“We also recognize Nyeri County for leading in tree/forest cover currently above 45 percent compared to national coverage of 12 percent approximately. At the water sector, we remain committed to providing efficient, reliable, and sustainable water and sanitation services to the people who we serve. We understand that strong water systems are essential for economic growth, public health, and community development. Our focus continues to be on improving service delivery, expanding access, and ensuring that our infrastructure meets the needs of a growing population.” Odongo stated.
The Nyeri County Executive Member (CECM) for Water, Fredrick Kinyua, said the tree- planting exercise was closely linked to the theme of the year since a healthy ecosystem is the backbone of every sustainable water supply.
Kinyua stated that by protecting and restoring water catchment areas such as Nyeri Hill, was akin to investing in the long-term supply of quality of water.
The CEC also highlighted the need to replenish degraded water catchment areas with indigenous tree species, which he singled out as the most ideal way of conserving traditional water sources.
“This (Nyeri hills) is one of our water towers in this region and one of the contributors of water for River Tana. It is now a common knowledge that exotic trees are exhausting and damaging our water resources and catchment areas and therefore the focus now is on continuous replacement of exotic trees for water security. Still some of these(indigenous) trees have medicinal value,” he said.
The CECM also lauded all partners and stakeholders for their continued support and collaboration in conservation efforts in the county, which he termed as a game changer in the war against ecological degradation.
He said the invaluable contribution had enabled the County to retain top position in matters of environmental conservation for several years since the advent of devolved governance.
“We have done a lot. In the last eight years, we have grown trees by more than five percent in this area, from 38 per cent in 2017 to the current 41.5 per cent forest cover and 46 per cent of tree cover respectively.” he stated.
Forest cover and tree cover in Nyeri stand at 40.17 per cent and 45.89 per cent respectively according to the National Forest Resources Assessment Report of 2021.
Mount Kenya and Aberdare form the main water towers in the County.
Nyeri is one of the six County Conservation areas found within the Central Highlands Regional Conservation area.
The total gazetted forest area in the County stands at 115,435.14 ha with Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Ranges, forming the two major forest ecosystems.
Mount Kenya forest ecosystem has seven forest stations that cover a total of 64,470.92 ha.
They include Nanyuki, Gathiuru, Naromoru, Kabaru, Hombe ,Ragati and Chehe.
The Aberdare ecosystem has five forest stations covering an area of 50,964.22 which include Muringato, Kabaru ,Hombe , Zaina, Kiandongoro and Zuti.
The County is targeting to increase its forest cover to 43 per cent by the year 2027.
Other stakeholders who graced the event include Nyeri Water and Sanitation Company, Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Forestry Research Institute, Khetias Supermarket, Fauna and Flora International, Nyeri Polytechnic, Mukurwe-ini Technical Training institute, Water Resources Authority, National Environment Management Authority, Tana Water Development Agency, Water Projects among others.
by Samuel Maina
