Through support from TerraFund for AFR100, LWF commenced the restoration of Likii and Nanyuki Rivers’ riparian zones, which are instrumental in improving water quality for both surface runoff and water flowing into streams through subsurface or underground water.
To achieve this restoration goal, LWF has partnered with different stakeholders to undertake tree-growing events aimed at creating a strong buffer strip for the riparian zones.
Two tree-growing events took place in the first half of the year. On May 17, 2024, LWF partnered with the Mt. Kenya Community Forest Association (CFA) to plant 5,000 indigenous tree species along the riparian area of the Nanyuki River at the foot of Mt. Kenya. Additionally, we supported the “Adopt a Tree” program, where 3,000 indigenous tree species were distributed to four schools.
LWF also partnered with various stakeholders, including Likii Water Resource Users Association (WRUA), who are mandated to ensure conservation along the Likii sub-catchment, to grow 5,000 indigenous tree species.
This event coincided with the World Environment Day on June 5, 2024. Some of the partners present included the Mt. Kenya Ewaso Water Partnership, NEMA-Laikipia County, the Department of Water, Environment, and Natural Resources-Laikipia County, the Water Resources Authority (WRA), Nanyuki Water and Sanitation Company (NAWASCO), Kenya Defense Forces (KDF), The Leo Project, Nanyuki Green Champions, Projects Africa, Ngusishi WRUA, Kongoni River Farm, and Kariki Farm.
LWF representatives receive certification award on the World Environment Day for Outstanding Restoration Efforts. Photo Credit: Ann Ngunjiri
The importance of this exercise was echoed by Leah Njeri, the Laikipia CECM of the Department of Water, Environment, and Natural Resources. She explained that the exercise aligns with the Presidential directive of planting 15 billion trees by 2032 and contributes to Laikipia County’s target of 372 million trees.
These tree-growing efforts are also crucial in accelerating the implementation of the WRUA’s sub-catchment management plan (SCMP), which includes a whole chapter on resource-protection. The selected sites were informed by previous mapping, identifying the degraded areas along the two river catchments.
With the Mount Kenya Ewaso Water Partnership’s (MKEWP’s) commitment to engaging river scouts to support this exercise, we are confident of achieving a survival rate of at least 70% within the two sites.
