By Monica Nashon
Communities, youth groups, environmental organisations and government officials gathered in Makongeni, Kwale County, to mark World Wetlands Day by planting mangroves to restore coastal ecosystems and support livelihoods.
The event saw the planting of 1,800 mangrove seedlings along degraded sections of the coastline, bringing together residents, conservation groups and government agencies in a unified effort to restore critical wetland areas and raise environmental awareness.
Leading the initiative was Edith Charo, County Director of Environment at the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), who underscored the importance of mangroves in conservation efforts.
“Today we celebrate World Wetlands Day by planting mangroves with our partners and the community. These 1,800 seedlings will play a vital role in protecting our environment,” she said.
Charo noted that wetlands are essential for agriculture and biodiversity, supporting activities such as rice farming while providing habitats for diverse plant and animal species.
She added that mangroves play a crucial role in climate change mitigation by absorbing carbon dioxide.
Mangroves, commonly found along Kenya’s coastline in Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu and Tana River counties, act as natural barriers against storms, strong waves and coastal erosion.
They are also rich “blue carbon ecosystems,” capable of storing significantly more carbon than many terrestrial forests.
Beyond environmental benefits, mangroves sustain marine life by providing breeding grounds for fish and crabs—resources that many coastal communities depend on for food and income.
However, these ecosystems face growing threats from deforestation, pollution and coastal development.
Speakers at the event emphasized the need for community involvement.
Diana Ngalizi of Proglee Shapers Environmental Organisation called for renewed cultural commitment to conservation, while youth leaders highlighted opportunities such as beekeeping and carbon credit programs.
Kwale Plants 1,800 Mangroves to Restore Wetlands, Boost Livelihoods
Apr 08, 2026 at 11:32 AM
By Monica Nashon Communities, youth groups, environmental organisations and government officials gathered in Makongeni, Kwale County, to mark World Wetlands Day by planting mangroves to restore coastal ecosystems and support livelihoods. The event saw the planting of 1,800 mangrove seedlings along degraded sections of the coastline, bringing together residents, conservation groups and government agencies in […]
Over 1.4 Million Slots Available as KUCCPS Opens 2026 Applications
Apr 08, 2026 at 10:01 AM
By Mandere Onyinkwa Kenya’s higher education institutions have announced a combined 1,457,407 spaces for the 2026/2027 placement cycle, marking one of the largest opportunities ever for learners seeking university and college education. This is after KPC learnt that the Commission for University Education (CUE) has approved 322,396 capacities for degree programmes, while middle-level colleges will […]
Kenya’s Chess Future Takes Shape at 2026 National Youth and Cadet Championships
Apr 08, 2026 at 08:39 AM
By KPC Sports Reporter More than 8,000 young chess players from across Kenya converged at Mang’u High School in Kiambu County for the 2026 National Youth and Cadet Chess Championship, a landmark event in the country’s mind‑sport calendar. The three‑day championship, attracting participants in 12 age and skill categories, doubles as the selection pathway […]
Inaugural “Maasai Mara Run” Launched to Promote Tourism and Climate Action
Apr 08, 2026 at 08:30 AM
By KPC Reporter Maasai Mara University (MMU) has kicked off its inaugural athletics competition, the Maasai Mara Run, aimed at promoting tourism and combating climate change. The Narok-based university, in collaboration with partners such as Athletics Kenya, Kenya Red Cross, KCB, KenGen, Medicatia Hospital, and others, organized successful races across multiple distances, including 10km, 6km, […]
IDLERS’ CORNER: Harambee, Wantam, Tutam — and Other Nyagenke Exercises in Forgetting
Apr 08, 2026 at 07:35 AM
By the Idler-in-Chief In the good old days of Nyagenke, the word harambee carried the weight of a grandmother’s walking stick: firm, purposeful, and occasionally used to correct behavior. Those days, the people of Nyagenke said it with a straight back and a cleaner heart, for it meant we pull together, even when pulling was […]
KUCCPS Opens Portal for 2026 University Placement, Sets May 6 Deadline
Apr 08, 2026 at 06:47 AM
By Ongaga Ongaga The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has opened its online portal for the 2026/2027 university and college placement cycle. The applications are set to close on May 6, 2026. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced the opening on Tuesday following a meeting with KUCCPS officials led by Chief Executive […]
Wangari Maathai’s Legacy Inspires New Climate Warriors in Tanzania
Apr 07, 2026 at 07:19 PM
By Nyang’au Araka In many Kenyan homes, the name Prof. Wangari Maathai still carries deep meaning—of trees planted, streams restored, and communities standing up for their land. Today, that legacy is shaping a new generation of climate champions beyond Kenya’s borders, in Tanzania. A new cohort of the Wangari Maathai Fellowship (WMF) 2026 has been […]
Rainy Week Forecast for Gusii as Residents Urged to Stay Alert
Apr 07, 2026 at 04:29 AM
By Hyline Ocharo Residents of Kisii and Nyamira counties should brace for a wet week ahead following a weather outlook forecasting frequent rainfall, thunderstorms, and variable cloudy conditions across the region. In Kisii County, the week is expected to follow a pattern of sunny mornings giving way to afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms in […]
A Morning Call, A Lasting Lesson: Perseverance in Public Service
Apr 06, 2026 at 02:48 PM
By Josiah Kariuki I often find myself returning, in deliberate reflection, to that Saturday morning nearly a year ago when my phone rang at exactly 5:00 a.m. It was an unexpected interruption—yet one that proved deeply significant. On the line was Stephen Isaboke, the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Ministry […]
National Interest Conference Calls for Urgent Policy Action, Constitutional Implementation
Apr 06, 2026 at 02:31 PM
By Nyang’au Araka Stakeholders at the First National Conference on the National Interest of the Republic of Kenya have called for urgent action to define and operationalize the country’s national interest. They warned that failure to do so remains a critical gap in implementing the Constitution. The three-day conference, held recently at the ASK Dome […]