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 is part of the Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme, a 10-year initiative targeting restoration of over 33,000 hectares and strengthening community engagement in conservation 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.

Wathuti, who also leads the Green Generation Initiative, said the organisation is working with schools, farmers, and communities to restore degraded ecosystems and safeguard critical water catchment areas.

She noted that participation in the conservation programme and marathon aligns with the organisation’s broader mission to protect water sources, which continue to face pressure from deforestation and unsustainable land use practices.

“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.

She emphasised that the marathon provides a platform to raise awareness beyond traditional conservation spaces, enabling wider public engagement while making environmental action accessible and participatory for ordinary citizens.

Wathuti added that the initiative brings together diverse groups, including youth, farmers, and athletes, creating a shared platform to address environmental challenges and promote collective responsibility in protecting natural resources.

She reaffirmed the organisation’s continued support, citing its involvement in the inaugural edition and its commitment to sustaining long-term conservation efforts under the national programme.

“I want us to look at this marathon as a movement for our forests, our water, and sustainable livelihoods,” she said during the launch of the second edition of the Mau Conservation Marathon in Nakuru.

The event will take place on July 4, and winners of the 42km race will each receive KSh 600,000, while winners of the 21km race will take home KSh 350,000, with third place earning KSh 100,000.

Beyond competition, the event is designed to raise funds for tree seedlings, which will be sourced directly from local communities, ensuring that conservation efforts also support household incomes.