Launch of New Ecosystem Restoration Initiative for Lake Naivasha Basin

April 14, 2025

Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, CS Dr. Deborah M. Barasa launched a new initiative aimed at addressing the pressing environmental challenges facing the Lake Naivasha Basin.

Speaking during the launch on, the CS emphasized the vital role of Lake Naivasha plays in supporting agriculture and fishing for local communities. She, however, expressed concerns over the growing threats to the lake’s ecosystem, including pollution, wetland degradation, deforestation and biodiversity loss mainly due to unsustainable farming, chemical runoff, hotel waste, and human encroachment on riparian areas.

The CS called upon all stakeholders, including government, private sector, NGOs, and local communities, to work together in protecting and restoring the Lake Naivasha ecosystem.

The three-year ecosystem restoration initiative, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through WWF- US and executed by The National Environment Trust Fund (NETFUND) seeks to promote sustainable management through enhanced collaboration and integrated landscape approaches among stakeholders.

The newly launched initiative aligns with key national strategies such as the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the 15 Billion Tree Initiative, the National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Strategy (2023–2032), and the National Climate Change Action Plan (2023–2027), while also supporting Africa Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

During the launch, Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Dr. Eng. Festus K Ng’eno acknowledged the concerns raised by the various stakeholders and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the project successfully.

The event was graced by several distinguished guests, including Nakuru Deputy Governor, H.E. Hon. David Kones, Governor Nyandarua County, H.E. Dr. Moses Kiarie Badilisha, NEFUND CEO Mr. Samson Toniok, WTRI CEO Dr. Patrick Omondi, Kenya Forest Service, NEMA, Kenya Wildlife Service, WWF USA, Global Environment Facility, among others