Friends of Ondiri Wetland Kenya.
Welcome to Ondiri – Kenya’s Living Gem
Nestled in the heart of Kikuyu, Ondiri Wetland is Kenya’s second-largest wetland and the only highland bog in Kenya. It is a vital ecosystem that nourishes the Nairobi River, supports diverse wildlife, and provides water, livelihood, and climate resilience to thousands of people.
At Friends of Ondiri Wetland Kenya (FOWK), we are a community-driven environmental movement dedicated to protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable management of this natural heritage.
Since our founding in 2016, we have united residents, environmentalists, schools, government agencies, and partners to make Ondiri one of Kenya’s most successfully conserved wetlands.
Who We Are
Friends of Ondiri Wetland Kenya (FOWK) is a community-based environmental organization committed to the conservation, protection, and sustainable management of Ondiri Wetland — the lifeline of the Nairobi River and a biodiversity hotspot in Kiambu County.
We are a collective of passionate citizens, youth, local leaders, and environmental advocates united by a shared vision: to restore and safeguard Ondiri Wetland for present and future generations.
Our identity is rooted in community ownership and collaboration. We believe that lasting conservation happens when local people are at the heart of decision-making and directly benefit from protecting their natural heritage.
Through partnerships with government institutions, schools, corporates, and international environmental organizations, we have transformed Ondiri into a living classroom, a biodiversity sanctuary, and a symbol of Kenya’s commitment to climate action.
We are more than an organization — we are a movement of citizens protecting one of Kenya’s most precious ecosystems and inspiring others across the country to do the same.
What We Do
Protecting Nature. Empowering Communities. Sustaining the Future.
Conservation and Restoration
We lead ongoing efforts to rehabilitate degraded areas of the wetland through community tree planting, removal of invasive species, and protection of natural habitats. Our goal is to restore the ecological balance and ensure that Ondiri remains a healthy, thriving ecosystem for generations to come.
Community Empowerment
We place communities at the center of conservation. Through training and engagement of youth, women, and farmers, we promote eco-friendly enterprises and climate-smart agriculture. By linking conservation to livelihood opportunities, we help make environmental protection a source of pride and prosperity for the people of Kikuyu.
Environmental Education and Awareness
We run education and awareness programs in schools and community groups to deepen understanding of wetlands, biodiversity, and sustainable living. Our eco-tours and guided learning visits help visitors appreciate the critical role of Ondiri Wetland in water purification, flood control, and climate resilience.
Research and Partnerships
We collaborate with universities, research institutions, and conservation organizations to support studies on wetland ecology, pollution control, and biodiversity management. These partnerships ensure that our work is guided by science, data, and innovation.
Advocacy and Policy Engagement
We advocate for stronger wetland protection policies and recognition of wetlands as essential natural infrastructure. Working with county and national governments, we champion sustainable land use, responsible tourism, and effective enforcement of conservation laws.
Our Impact
Key Impacts of Friends of Ondiri Wetland Kenya
1. Wetland Conservation and Restoration
FOWK has played a leading role in restoring degraded sections of Ondiri Wetland through reforestation, removal of invasive species,
and protection of natural water channels. These efforts have enhanced the wetland’s ecological health and increased biodiversity
within the area.
2. Water Resource Protection
By safeguarding Ondiri Wetland — the main source of the Nairobi River — FOWK contributes directly to improved water quality and
sustainable water flow downstream. The organisation’s advocacy and clean-up initiatives have helped reduce pollution and
protect this critical water catchment area.
3. Community Empowerment and Environmental Education
FOWK works closely with local communities, schools, and youth groups to raise awareness on the importance of wetland conservation.
Through training, outreach programs, and eco-clubs, the organisation has empowered residents to become active stewards of
their environment.
4. Climate Change Mitigation and Resilience
Through tree planting, habitat restoration, and promotion of sustainable land use practices, FOWK contributes to carbon sequestration
and improved climate resilience. The wetland acts as a natural carbon sink and flood buffer, helping to mitigate the impacts of
climate change in Kiambu and Nairobi counties.
5. Policy Advocacy and Partnerships for Sustainability
FOWK actively engages government agencies, research institutions, and conservation partners to influence policies that support
wetland protection. The organisation’s collaborative approach has strengthened environmental governance and attracted strategic
partnerships for long-term sustainability.