Wathuti Champions Citizen Action In Mau Forest Conservation

By Suleiman Mbatiah

Environmental advocate Elizabeth Wathuti has reaffirmed support for the Mau Forest conservation programme, positioning an upcoming marathon as a key public mobilisation tool to protect Kenya’s largest water catchment amid rising environmental degradation.

The Mau Conservation Marathon forms part of the Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme, a 10-year initiative targeting restoration of over 33,000 hectares while strengthening community participation in conservation and sustainable resource management efforts.

The programme focuses on restoring degraded ecosystems, improving livelihoods, and enhancing climate resilience, with the Mau Forest Complex recognised as Kenya’s largest water tower supporting rivers, agriculture, and millions of livelihoods dependent on stable water systems.

Officials report measurable progress, including restoration of 1,500 hectares and mapping of over 3,300 hectares for rehabilitation, alongside installation of boreholes, fencing, and ranger posts to strengthen ecosystem protection and community resilience.

The initiative integrates livelihood support, with more than 3,100 farmers receiving dairy equipment, certified seeds, beehives, and tree seedlings, promoting agroforestry while reducing pressure on forest resources through sustainable income alternatives.

Wathuti, founder of the Green Generation Initiative, said her organisation is working with schools, farmers, and communities to restore degraded ecosystems and safeguard critical water catchment areas under increasing environmental pressure.

“The reason we are part of the Mau Forest Complex programme and the conservation marathon is that we care deeply about restoring and protecting our critical water catchment areas,” she said.

The Mau Conservation Marathon has emerged as a central mobilisation platform, linking sport with conservation awareness while creating income opportunities for youth, athletes, and local businesses operating within the Mau ecosystem and surrounding counties.

The inaugural marathon held in October 2025 attracted more than 1,000 participants and distributed over KES 3.3 million in prize money, with additional incentives boosting total earnings and youth participation.

Principal Secretary Festus Ng’eno said the event has evolved into a broader platform supporting environmental education, conservation awareness, and community empowerment across forest-adjacent regions.

“This event is not just the commencement of a race, it is a powerful platform for environmental education, conservation awareness, and community empowerment,” he said during the launch of the second edition.

Organisers say the marathon has developed into a structured economic platform supporting talent development while aligning with national goals of environmental restoration and grassroots economic empowerment across communities bordering the Mau Forest Complex.

“Indeed, as you have heard from the athletes’ testimonies, the platform became an excellent opportunity to showcase their talent and position participants for more opportunities and platforms,” Ng’eno said.

The second edition, scheduled for July 4, 2026, introduces a full 42 kilometre race and increases prize allocations to KES 7.8 million to attract international participation and elevate the marathon’s global profile.

Winners of the 42 kilometre race will each receive KSh 600,000, while winners of the 21 kilometre category will take home KSh 350,000, with third place earning KSh 100,000 in the expanded competition structure.

Government officials say the marathon supports conservation by fostering partnerships among communities, private sector actors, and development agencies while reinforcing awareness of the Mau Forest’s role in water security and climate stability.

“As we launch the second edition of the Mau Conservation Marathon today therefore, I invite our communities around the Mau Forest Complex to participate fully, this is your race, this is your run,” Ng’eno said.

Governor Susan Kihika said conservation efforts are delivering measurable impact in Nakuru County by restoring degraded land, enhancing biodiversity, and providing sustainable income alternatives for communities living near forest areas.

Through targeted programmes, households are receiving dairy support, certified seeds, and training in high-value crops such as avocado, coffee, and pyrethrum, alongside expanded opportunities in beekeeping enterprises and sustainable agriculture practices.

Additional measures including tree nursery development, agroforestry expansion, and improved land management practices are strengthening resilience, with increased participation from youth and women in emerging green economy opportunities.

“This initiative continues to prove, in very practical terms, that conservation and community progress can move forward together,” Kihika said in remarks delivered on her behalf by her deputy, David Kones during the marathon launch in Nakuru.

Wathuti said the marathon broadens engagement beyond traditional conservation spaces by bringing together youth, farmers, and athletes while promoting collective responsibility and making environmental action more accessible to the public.

“I want us to look at this marathon as a movement for our forests, our water, and sustainable livelihoods,” she said.