Ondiri Wetland

Ondiri Wetland or Ondiri Swamp is a protected wetland and peatbog that is the source of the Nairobi River near Kikuyu, Kenya in Kiambu County.[1][2] The wetland is under pressure because of water extraction, deforestation and accelerated erosion.[1][3] Listed in 2021, the project's conservation is part of a larger initiative by the Kenyan government to reduce pollution to major waterways that provide water supply to Nairobi as part of the Thwake Dam project.[4][5][6] The waterway is also important for local greenhouse agriculture.[4] Ondiri Wetland covers 3,713,549 square feet and is a source to 40 springs, which provide water to the local community.[7]

Ondiri was heavily polluted with pesticides and dumping. In 2004, a study found as few as 41 bird species.[8] Around 2020, there were 76 species of birds living in Ondiri.[9] In 2016, the Friends of Ondiri Wetland Kenya (FOWK) was established to rehabilitate and protect the bog; they run awareness campaigns, plant trees, and hold community events. .[9] "The biggest challenge I face is convincing people about the importance of the wetland. And in awareness creation, you convert polluters into consververs," says David Wakogi, co-creator of this FOWK in a documentary about his work. [10] Wakogi says there are now 76 species of birds in the wetland,[11] compared to a 2004 assessment of 44 species.[12]

Kenya's 2022 national celebration of World Wetland Day was held in Ondiri to highlight the importance of the country's largest highland bog.[7] "More than 10,000 seedlings have been planted in the swamp through efforts of Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and NEMA. I am happy to report that the survival rate of the seedling is very impressive,” stated Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Forestry Mr Keriako Tobiko.