The Story of Resilience: Ondiri Wetland’s Journey of Hope

In 2016, a call was made that would forever change the destiny of a dying wetland. The then Deputy County Commissioner for Kikuyu, now CEO of the Public Service Commission, Mr. Paul Famba invited a young conservationist, David Wakogy, to his office. With a tone both urgent and hopeful, he told him, “Ondiri Swamp is dying.” He then entrusted him with a monumental task to rally the community to save it. From that moment, the dream of Friends of Ondiri Wetland was born, not just as an organization, but as a movement of resilience, faith, and collective action.

Those early days were not easy. The wetland had been stripped of its dignity, its riparian land grabbed, its life choked by pollution and unsustainable farming practices. The peat bog, a rare and vital natural filter, was eroding fast, and the once tranquil waters of Ondiri were losing their song. Yet, in the midst of despair, hope began to take root.

David and a small group of community members began to walk door to door, speaking of restoration, of healing, of reclaiming what had been lost. Their voices were soft at first, often dismissed or doubted, but persistence has a way of reshaping even the hardest of grounds. With time, more partners joined: government agencies, environmental organizations, and corporate friends who believed in the vision of a reborn Ondiri.

Ten years down the line, Ondiri Wetland stands not as a story of loss, but as a living testimony of what resilience can achieve. The once-grabbed 3.3 kilometers of riparian land have been fully reclaimed. Where illegal structures once stood, a vibrant nature trail now winds gracefully around the wetland, shaded by thousands of trees planted through tireless community efforts. The air is alive again with the songs of returning birds, the laughter of schoolchildren on field trips, and the footsteps of visitors who come to marvel at this ecological miracle.

The water, once murky and endangered, now flows clearer, filtered naturally by the conserved peat beneath. The community around Ondiri now draws clean water with pride, knowing that their efforts have safeguarded both life and livelihood. Ecotourism has flourished, creating new opportunities and reminding all who visit that conservation is not just about protecting nature, it’s about healing our shared home.

As the Government of President William Ruto advances the 15 billion tree agenda, Ondiri stands as a shining example of what unity can achieve. History has already been written here, in roots and leaves, in restored hope and renewed ecosystems. During the most recent Mazingira Day, Friends of Ondiri and partners planted over 12,500 trees, reaffirming their unwavering commitment to Kenya’s green future.

The vision continues to grow. Plans are underway to transform Ondiri into a world-class wetland park, complete with birdwatching towers, park benches, a 700-capacity open-air amphitheater, and a 3.3-kilometer eco-friendly nature trail. Together with the Ministry of Defence and the Nairobi Rivers Commission, Ondiri is on its way to becoming Kenya’s version of Kigali’s Nyandungu Wetlands, a model of ecological restoration, community pride, and sustainable tourism.

But perhaps the most symbolic expression of this journey is the Ondiri Wetland Conservation Run Kiambu County’s largest conservation event. Each year, hundreds gather to run not just for fitness, but for the planet. The 5th Edition, set for 31st January 2026, will be preceded by two days of exhibitions showcasing green innovations, partnerships, and the growing community of hope that Ondiri has inspired.

From a dying swamp to a thriving sanctuary, Ondiri’s story is not merely one of conservation, it is a story of people who refused to give up. A story of faith in the land, of hands that planted instead of plundered, and of hearts that dared to dream that healing was possible. Today, as the sun rises over the lush green expanse of Ondiri, one truth stands tall like the trees that now line its shores: resilience pays off, and hope, once planted, can grow forever.