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Friends of Ondiri Wetland

Our Story

Friends of Ondiri Wetland Kenya

Friends of Ondiri Wetland Kenya (FOWK) is a community-driven environmental organization founded in 2016 with a mission to conserve, restore, and sustainably manage Ondiri Wetland — Kenya’s only quaking bog and a vital ecosystem that supports Nairobi’s water catchment.

For nearly a decade, we have worked hand-in-hand with local residents, schools, conservation partners, and government agencies to make Ondiri Wetland a national model of community-led conservation. Through awareness campaigns, cleanup drives, tree planting, ecological restoration, and environmental education, we have transformed Ondiri from a degraded and threatened area into one of the best conserved wetlands in Kenya.

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Our Vision

A clean, thriving, and sustainably managed Ondiri Wetland that supports life, climate stability, and community prosperity.

Our Mission

To conserve Ondiri Wetland through community-driven environmental action, education, and sustainable development partnerships.

ondiriwetlandke
Ondiri Wetland
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Friends of Ondiri Wetland Kenya.

Protecting Nature. Empowering Communities. Sustaining the Future.

Welcome to Ondiri – Kenya’s Living Gem. Nestled in the heart of Kikuyu, Ondiri Wetland is the second-largest wetland in Kenya and the only natural lake in Nairobi County — a vital source of clean water, biodiversity, and climate resilience. At Friends of Ondiri Wetland Kenya, we are a community-driven conservation movement working passionately to protect, restore, and promote the sustainable use of this unique natural heritage.

What We Do

Wetland Conservation

We lead restoration, tree planting, and pollution control to keep Ondiri vibrant and thriving.

Community Empowerment

We train, educate, and engage youth and locals to become guardians of the environment.

Climate Action

We promote sustainable livelihoods and innovations for a greener, resilient future.

Partnerships & Advocacy

We collaborate with institutions to push for wetland protection and sustainable urban planning.

Our Impact

  • Restored degraded sections of Ondiri Wetland
  • Mobilized thousands of volunteers and students
  • Partnered with NEMA, Kiambu County & global organizations
  • Set a national model for community-led conservation
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Our Causes

Protecting Ondiri Wetland
Protecting Ondiri Wetland

Safeguarding Kenya’s only quaking bog — a vital freshwater source and home to diverse wildlife.

1.
Combating Pollution & Waste
Combating Pollution & Waste

Fighting illegal dumping and promoting proper waste disposal to keep our wetland clean and thriving.

2.
Community Empowerment
Empowering Local Communities

Supporting youth and women to lead conservation activities and sustainable livelihood projects.

3.
Environmental Education
Environmental Education

Raising awareness in schools and communities about wetland conservation and climate resilience.

4.
Restoring Degraded Ecosystems
Restoring Degraded Ecosystems

Rehabilitating damaged wetland zones through replanting native vegetation and improving water flow.

5.
Climate Change Mitigation
Climate Change Mitigation

Promoting tree planting, sustainable farming, and renewable energy initiatives for a greener tomorrow.

6.
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Together for Nature
Together for Ondiri.

Join hands with us in protecting the environment and empowering the community.

Our Achievements

Since our establishment in 2016, Friends of Ondiri Wetland Kenya has made tremendous progress in safeguarding and restoring the Ondiri ecosystem while empowering the local community.

Major Milestones

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Years of Conservation

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Trees Planted

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Conservation Runs

Our Partners

Appreciating our partners for standing with us to protect Ondiri Wetland and nurture its unique ecosystem.

County Government of Kiambu.

County Government of Kiambu.

National Environment Management Authority. NEMA

National Environment Management Authority.

Kenya Forestry Research Institute. KEFRI

Kenya Forestry Research Institute.

Water Resources Authority. WRA

Water Resources Authority.

Nairobi Rivers Commission. NRC

Nairobi Rivers Commission.

The Presbyterian University of East Africa. PUEA

The Presbyterian University of East Africa.

Kikuyu Water Company Ltd.

Kikuyu Water Company Ltd.

Thogoto residents association environment committee.

Thogoto residents association environment committee.

Thogoto residents association environment committee.

Thogoto residents association environment committee.

News, Top Articles & Upcoming Events

FOWK

Progress is taking shape at the source of Nairobi River!

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FOWK

EU Delegation Engages with Ondiri Wetland Conservation Efforts

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FOWK

National Defence College and FOWK Lead Indigenous Tree Growing at Alliance High School

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FOWK

Growing Trees, Growing Futures: Why Community-Led Restoration Matters.

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FOWK

First Ever Conservation Cycling Event at Ondiri Wetland Kenya Marks Easter Monday 2026

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FOWK

Ireland’s Minister for Nature and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan Visits Ondiri Wetland

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FOWK

Irish Ambassador HE Caitríona Ingoldsby Visits Ondiri Wetland

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FOWK Tree Planting

Four Rivers, One Source: The Hidden Water Network of Ondiri Wetland

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FOWK Tree Planting

Empowering Women in Conservation: The Transformative Impact of FOWK

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FOWK

Strategic Conservation Partnership with ACOPPHE Kenya

In our ongoing quest to build stronger and more impactful partnerships, we held a productive meeting with...

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FOWK

The Invasive Vine Threatening Kiambu’s Farms and Forests.

There has been a growing concern in Kiambu County regarding a strange weed resembling spaghetti, and that is spreading at an alarming rate.

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FOWK

The Ondiri Miracle: A Community’s Fight to Save Kenya’s Only Peatbog, Part 1.

As Friends of Ondiri Wetland Kenya (FOWK) marks 10 years of conservation and restoration, we begin to tell the story of our journey...

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What People Say

Ondiri Voices

Inspiring Environmental Work

Visiting Ondiri Wetland opened my eyes to how local communities can protect nature. The FOWK team balances conservation and education so well.

MMarieVolunteer

Dedicated and Passionate Team

You can feel the passion in everything they do. From tree-growing projects to environmental awareness drives, FOWK is making a real difference.

BJoyceEnvironmentalist

Booked in a few minutes, Loved Every One

I emailed on a Tuesday and we were on a nature walk on Friday morning. Our guide knew every bird call by ear — genuinely impressive.

AAminaVisitor

My Students Loved it

Three weeks later my class is still bringing up the quaking bog topic. That kind of memory is worth more than any textbook chapter on wetlands.

DMr. DanielHigh School Teacher

Inspiring Environmental Work

Visiting Ondiri Wetland opened my eyes to how local communities can protect nature. The FOWK team balances conservation and education so well Kudos!

MMarieVolunteer

Dedicated and Passionate Team

You can feel the passion in everything they do. From tree-growing projects to environmental awareness drives, FOWK is making a real difference.

BJoyceEnvironmentalist

Booked in a few minutes, Loved Every One

I emailed on a Tuesday and we were on a nature walk on Friday morning. Our guide knew every bird call by ear — genuinely impressive.

AAminaVisitor

My Students Loved it

Three weeks later my class is still bringing up the quaking bog topic. That kind of memory is worth more than any textbook chapter on wetlands.

DMr. DanielHigh School Teacher

Educational and Eye-Opening

Our school visit to Ondiri Wetland was amazing! The guides explained the importance of wetlands in a fun, engaging way. We all left inspired to act.

LLaura ZonoStudent

Community Impact You Can See

FOWK has brought our community together around conservation. Their workshops have changed how we see Ondiri — it's not just water, it's life.

JJames MwangiLocal Resident

A Sunday Well Spent

Took my kids barefoot on the trail and we honestly enjoyed. Quiet, well organised, and the guide never rushed us once.

SSarah NjorogeParent

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