Ondiri Wetland Conservation Run
The Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC) will support the upcoming Ondiri Run, scheduled to take place in celebration of World Wetlands Day, as part of ongoing efforts to promote wetland conservation, climate resilience, and community-led environmental stewardship.
World Wetlands Day, marked annually on 2nd February, highlights the critical role wetlands play in supporting biodiversity, regulating water systems, reducing flood risks, and strengthening climate resilience. The Ondiri Run provides a platform to raise public awareness on the importance of protecting wetlands, particularly within urban and peri-urban settings.
Ondiri Wetland is one of Kenya’s most important inland wetlands, serving as a natural water filtration system, flood buffer, and biodiversity hotspot. It is also a key contributor to the health of downstream river systems that form part of the wider Nairobi Rivers Basin.
NRC has continued to support efforts to protect, rehabilitate, and safeguard Ondiri Wetland, working closely with local communities, conservation groups, and government agencies to address threats such as encroachment, pollution, and unsustainable land use.
The Ondiri Run brings together community members, youth, environmental advocates, and partners in a shared call to action for wetland conservation. Through sport and environmental awareness, the event reinforces the importance of community participation in protecting fragile ecosystems.
NRC’s involvement aligns with its mandate to promote public participation, environmental education, and sustainable management of riparian and wetland ecosystems as part of the broader Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme.
Wetlands play a critical role in climate change adaptation and mitigation by regulating water flows, reducing flood impacts, storing carbon, and supporting livelihoods. As climate risks intensify, NRC continues to integrate wetland protection into its climate-responsive planning and river regeneration interventions.
The Commission recognizes wetlands as vital natural infrastructure that must be preserved to enhance urban resilience and safeguard water resources for current and future generations.
In line with the spirit of World Wetlands Day, NRC reaffirms its commitment to:
- Protecting and restoring wetlands and riparian ecosystems.
- Supporting community-led conservation initiatives.
- Strengthening partnerships for sustainable environmental management.
- Promoting awareness on the value of wetlands in climate resilience.
NRC encourages members of the public, environmental groups, and stakeholders to participate in the Ondiri Run and join collective efforts to protect wetlands and river ecosystems across the country.