Nyeri County Plants 20,000 Indigenous Trees at Mahoya Hill to Mark World Water Day

The Department of Water, Environment and Climate Change, working with various stakeholders, planted 20,000 indigenous trees at Mahoya Hill in Tetu Sub-County. The exercise formed the highlight of Nyeri County’s celebrations for World Water Day 2026.

A procession from Ihururu Trading Centre kicked off the day’s activities. Participants then moved to the hill for the mass tree planting.

The event doubled as a strong call to protect endangered water catchment areas across the county.

Linking Trees to Water Security

Mahoya Hill, also known as part of Nyeri Hill, serves as a vital water catchment. Indigenous trees planted there will help stabilise soils, improve water infiltration, and sustain flows into rivers that supply communities downstream.

Nyeri County relies heavily on the Aberdare Ranges and Mt. Kenya for its water sources. Degradation of these catchments threatens both domestic supply and irrigation schemes.

County officials used the occasion to remind residents that healthy forests directly translate to reliable water. Tree cover reduces runoff during heavy rains and maintains base flows during dry periods.

Rallying for Catchment Protection

Speakers emphasised collective responsibility. They urged communities to stop illegal logging, uncontrolled grazing, and farming on steep slopes near water sources.

The 20,000 trees planted represent a significant step. Officials noted that more seedlings will go into the ground in the coming weeks while rains continue.

The activity aligned with this year’s global World Water Day theme, which focused on water and gender. Local discussions highlighted the role of women and youth in water conservation efforts.

Broader County Commitment

Nyeri has intensified environmental restoration in recent years. Similar tree-planting drives target other hills and riparian zones to combat climate change impacts.

Partners at the event included water service providers, community groups, and national agencies. Their involvement shows growing collaboration in safeguarding the county’s water towers.

Farmers and residents who joined the procession expressed commitment to nurturing the newly planted seedlings. Many pledged to monitor and protect the young trees.

Call for Sustained Action

As Nyeri marks another successful World Water Day, the message remains clear: protecting catchments through tree planting and conservation is key to long-term water security.

With the current rains supporting establishment, county teams will follow up with maintenance. The goal is to restore and strengthen vital ecosystems that sustain agriculture, domestic use, and the environment.

This initiative at Mahoya Hill sets a strong example for other wards. It demonstrates how community action can secure water resources for future generations.