Uasin Gishu governor Jonathan Chelilim has urged area residents to take an active part in safeguarding wetlands so that they continue sustaining life for generations to come.
Chelilim emphasised that wetlands, which cover about 3 to 4 per cent of Kenya’s landscape, expanding up to 6 per cent during the rainy season, are part of the environment that sustains our families and our future.
The governor was speaking at Lemook Primary School near Lemook Wetland, Kapseret Sub County, during county celebrations to mark World Wetlands Day 2026, under the theme, ‘Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage’.
“We gather here today with one purpose: to celebrate World Wetlands Day and to reaffirm our shared commitment to protecting one of our county’s most precious natural assets,” he noted.
Chelilim described wetlands as dynamic ecosystems that provide water for homes and farms, support fisheries and livestock, regulate floods, purify water and sustain the rich diversity of life.
“Wetlands are foundational to our environment and central to our climate resilience. Here in Uasin Gishu, we are blessed with wetlands that are the lifeline of our county,” he said.
The governor cited wetlands such as the Leseru and Marura swamps and the areas surrounding Kesses dam, noting that they are vital for maintaining water quality, protecting farmland from flooding and providing habitats for birds, fish and plants that enrich landscapes and livelihoods.
He raised concerns over serious challenges faced by wetlands, like encroachment from farmers, who plough up to wetland edges, warning that such actions by people risk degrading and weakening the precious resource, which is the very foundation that supports farming, water and life.
“I understand that agriculture is the backbone of our livelihoods, but when wetlands are degraded, the very foundation that supports farming, water, and life is weakened,” observed the governor.
He further highlighted pollution, urban expansion, and unsustainable land use as other serious challenges, adding pressure to wetlands, noting that if all stakeholders were not careful, they risk losing more than water and biodiversity, and also the wisdom and practices that the elders have passed down for generations.
“Our elders taught us to fish responsibly, graze livestock according to the seasons, and harvest wetland plants without destroying them. These lessons are not relics of the past; they are keys to our future. We must remember that wetlands are wealthy lands, not wastelands,” added Chelilim.
The governor asked all stakeholders to consider combining traditional knowledge with modern conservation approaches, noting it will help protect wetlands while supporting agriculture and sustaining livelihoods.
He mentioned that the national government has strengthened policies to map, protect and restore wetlands across the country.
The initiative has been embraced by the county in demarcating wetland boundaries, creating buffer zones, promoting climate-smart farming and educating farmers and youth on sustainable practices.
“Together, we can ensure that our farmers thrive, while wetlands continue to perform their vital ecological functions. As we celebrate World Wetlands Day, let us reflect on what is at stake: water security, livelihoods, culture and the legacy we leave for our children and grandchildren,” he said.
The event brought together various institutions operating within Uasin Gishu County, alongside residents from across Kapseret Sub-County.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) County Director, Solomon Kihiu encouraged residents and communities to embrace environmental conservation through tree planting and active participation in environmental protection initiatives.
By Ekuwam Sylvester
