Manguo Swamp is a vital freshwater wetland located along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway, near Limuru town, just 35 minutes from Nairobi’s central...
Written by: Hussein Waiyaki
Manguo Swamp, situated in Limuru, Kiambu County, has a long history of supporting wildlife and people living nearby. However, the swamp's modern degradation has caused the loss of hippos and problems for over fifty bird species, some endangered, like the Grey Crowned Crane.
Besides helping the environment, Manguo Swamp is essential for providing water to several parts of Nairobi. The Athi Water Company(A major water company in Kenya) pumps groundwater from boreholes around the swamp supplying fresh water to the people of Limuru and Nairobi, which is replenished by the wetland. Still, when water is taken out too much, and land is used for other things, there is far less water, jeopardizing nature and the water accessible to nearby communities.
The freshwater of Manguo Swamp attracts various water birds and other species that cannot survive in saltwater. Visitors can enjoy serene mornings amidst an array of birds, including the localized Maccoa duck, which is notable for its beautiful chestnut-colored males and the duller grey females that inhabit the swamp's edges. The Maccoa duck is now listed as ‘near threatened’ on the IUCN Red List. As the only African stiff-tailed ducks, they rarely leave the water due to their legs being positioned far back, making it uncomfortable to walk on land. Rare Palearctic migrant ducks such as Gadwall and Ferruginous have also been spotted at Manguo.
Because of the challenges faced, the Kenyan government made Manguo Swamp a Groundwater Conservation Area in 2022 to control how the land is used and protect water resources. Yet, laws are not being strongly enforced, and the swamp is still plagued by pollution, illegal trash, encroachment and habitat destruction.
To defend Manguo Swamp, it must be included in the Ramsar list, highlighting its importance in global wetlands. Achieving such recognition would help more people get involved in preserving wildlife, get support from others and support sustainable travel. Quick action is necessary to stop this ecosystem from disappearing since that would affect future biodiversity and access to water.
A quick action through collaborative approach is required to be able to restore, protect and conserve Manguo wetlands. Voices of Change is taking a leading role in the restoration journey, however a more collaborative approach is necessary to scaling and achieving a more impactful solution.
Credits
http://rovingreporters.co.za/haggling-hinders-conservation-of-manguo-wetland/
https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/act/ln/2022/221/eng@2022-12-31
Voices of Change is an initiative dedicated to empowering communities through research and action. Our mission is to drive change in three critical areas: fostering healthy conversations, restoring ecosystems, and creating equitable transportation solutions.
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