Irish Ambassador HE Caitríona Ingoldsby Visits Ondiri Wetland

Today, we had the honour of hosting HE Caitríona Ingoldsby, Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland to Kenya, at Ondiri Wetland. The Ambassador, accompanied by her team from the Irish Embassy, undertook a guided tour of this remarkable ecosystem, gaining a deeper appreciation of its ecological, hydrological, and cultural significance.

Ondiri Wetland is Kenya’s only known subterranean peat bog, a rare and fragile ecosystem where water flows beneath a living mat of vegetation, creating the distinctive quaking bog landscape. The wetland is the source of both the Nairobi River and the Athi River, making it a critical hydrological asset for the region. Often described as the “kidney of Kikuyu,” Ondiri plays a vital role in water purification, groundwater recharge, and the provision of water to surrounding communities.

During the visit, the Ambassador learned about the striking ecological parallels between Kenya and Ireland through peatlands. Like Ireland’s extensive peat bogs, Ondiri stores significant amounts of carbon, regulates water flow, and supports unique biodiversity. These shared characteristics underscore a common environmental heritage between the two countries and highlight the global importance of peatlands in climate regulation and ecosystem resilience.

The discussion also explored migratory bird species that link Europe and East Africa. Species such as the Common Chiffchaff migrate from Ireland and other parts of Europe to Kenya during the European winter, returning north to breed when temperatures rise. The Yellow Wagtail was also noted as another seasonal visitor from Europe, further illustrating the ecological connectivity between continents through Ondiri.

The Ambassador visited the Ondiri Arboretum, observed the quaking bog at close range, and toured the botanical garden, where ongoing restoration and conservation efforts are taking place. Later, the delegation visited Dagoretti Market, where concerns were raised about effluent from slaughterhouses that continues to pollute the Kabuthi River (one of the tributaries of Nairobi river), posing serious environmental and public health risks downstream.

The Ambassador commended the conservation work being carried out at Ondiri, with particular praise for the strong involvement of women, the use of citizen science in environmental monitoring, and the dedication and professionalism of the team on the ground. To mark the visit, she planted an East African Yellow-wood tree, leaving behind a living symbol of partnership, shared ecological values, and a growing connection between Ireland and Kenya through the protection of peatlands and wetlands.

This visit reaffirmed Ondiri Wetland’s national and global significance and strengthened the shared commitment to conserving fragile ecosystems that transcend borders and generations.