Turkana County celebrated World Wetlands Day at the shores of Lake Kalokol on February 2nd. The event brought together environmental organizations, government officials, and community members to mark the importance of wetlands.

This year’s theme was “It’s Time for Wetlands Restoration” with the slogan “Our Wetlands, Our Responsibility, Our Future” emphasizing the need to prioritize restoration efforts. The event featured activities such as tree planting, beach cleaning, speeches, and the distribution of 2000 tree seedlings.

County Executive for Tourism, Culture, Natural Resources and Climate Change Iris Mariao delivered Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai’s speech where he noted that Lake Turkana is the largest permanent desert lake in the world and a crucial resource for the local communities.

He encouraged all residents to take action to conserve the lake and stated that the County Government is exploring collaboration efforts to secure funding and support for conservation.

CECM Mariao highlighted that wetlands support critical ecosystems and biodiversity and are crucial to agriculture and fisheries. He emphasized the urgency to raise global awareness on the rapid loss of wetlands and encouraged actions to conserve these vital ecosystems.

Speakers expressed concern about the ongoing destruction of wetlands through human activities such as illegal farming and construction, which have led to the extinction of wildlife and the pollution of rivers and the lake.

They called for actions to prevent these negative impacts and preserve wetlands for future generations.

Others who spoke included Ag. Chief Officer Stella Opakas, Director Environment and Climate Change Clement Nadio, Director Natural Resources Pauline Ngoli Pusiye, Director Culture Philip Lokaala among others.