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.
Read More ...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.
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
Our Causes
Young Environmentalists Club
Building an Eco-Conscious Generation

By Josphat Muthoni | Chairperson, Friends of Ondiri Young Environmentalists Club
In an effort to spread awareness in the community around Ondiri Wetland, Friends of Ondiri Wetland Kenya is running a programme called the Young Environmentalists Club. The programme focuses on teaching schools in the area about conservation.
Youth engaged in environmental conservation activities
We help schools establish environmental clubs and set up tree nurseries. We teach learners which trees are suitable to plant, focusing on indigenous species that support the local ecosystem. Students also learn how to care for seedlings, from nursery management to planting and aftercare, to ensure the trees grow.
Beyond tree planting, we teach organic farming practices that are good for the environment, agroforestry, and proper waste disposal. This programme aims to build a community that is conscious of its environment and takes personal responsibility for keeping it clean.
We hope for a future with no more littering on the streets, where proper garbage disposal is a priority for everyone. Environmental conservation starts with a personal decision not to drop a sweet wrapper irresponsibly. Friends of Ondiri Wetland started this programme to make that vision a reality.
We have developing a curriculum suitable for learners from comprehensive schools to tertiary institutions. Currently, we are working with 30 schools within a 5km radius of Kikuyu, and we look forward to engaging more schools.
Together for Nature
Together for Ondiri.
Join hands with us in protecting the environment and empowering communities.
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
Years of Conservation
+
Trees Planted
Conservation Runs
Our Partners
Appreciating our partners for standing with us to protect Ondiri Wetland and nurture its unique ecosystem.
County Government of Kiambu.
National Environment Management Authority.
Kenya Forestry Research Institute.
Water Resources Authority.
Nairobi Rivers Commission.
The Presbyterian University of East Africa.
Kikuyu Water Company Ltd.
Thogoto residents association environment committee.
News, Top Articles & Upcoming Events
Ondiri Voices
Inspiring Environmental Work
Visiting Ondiri Wetland opened my eyes to how local communities can protect nature. The FOWK team does an incredible job balancing conservation and education.
Dedicated and Passionate Team
You can feel the passion in everything they do. From clean-up drives to youth awareness, FOWK is truly making a difference for the future of Ondiri and beyond.
Educational and Eye-Opening
Our school visit to Ondiri Wetland was amazing! The guides explained the importance of wetlands in a fun and engaging way. We all left inspired to take action.
Community Impact You Can See
FOWK has brought our community together around conservation. Their workshops and projects have changed how we see Ondiri — it’s not just water, it’s life.
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