ACEECA Hosts Stakeholder Forum to Restore Degraded Riparian Ecosystems in Tharaka Nithi County

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ACEECA Hosts Stakeholder Forum to Restore Degraded Riparian Ecosystems in Tharaka Nithi County

Tharaka Nithi, Kenya – The Africa Centre for Environment, Energy, and Climate Advocacy (ACEECA) convened a landmark stakeholder forum in Tharaka Nithi County to rally support for the restoration of degraded riparian ecosystems along Rivers Gituma and Muthangacwa.

The forum brought together community leaders, women’s groups, youth, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and county leadership in a united call for urgent and coordinated action to protect and revive the county’s vulnerable riverbanks.

Ms. Sharon Cherono (Left), ACEECA Officer, engaging community members along the banks of River Gituma during the stakeholder forum on restoring degraded riparian ecosystems in Tharaka Nithi.

During the meeting, participants highlighted the critical role riparian ecosystems play in sustaining biodiversity, supporting agriculture, and providing water for domestic and economic use. However, years of deforestation, unsustainable farming practices, sand harvesting, and encroachment have left the rivers under severe ecological strain, threatening both livelihoods and the environment.

Speaking at the event, ACEECA Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Pamela Gitobu emphasized that restoring river ecosystems is not only an environmental necessity but also a social and economic priority. “Healthy rivers mean healthy communities,” said Ms. Gitobu. “By working together, we can secure clean water, resilient farmlands, and a safer environment for future generations.”

Ms. Pamela Gitobu, ACEECA Chief Executive Officer speaking during the stakeholder engagement forum on Restoration of degraded riparian ecosystems in tharaka nithi county.

County leaders echoed the commitment, pledging to integrate riparian restoration into county development plans while ensuring that women, youth, and PWDs are actively engaged in decision-making and implementation.

Community leaders from villages along Rivers Gituma and Muthangacwa also pledged to mobilize local residents for tree planting, riverbank protection, and adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices. Women and youth groups committed to championing environmental awareness campaigns and alternative livelihood programs to reduce pressure on natural resources.

The stakeholder forum concluded with a joint resolution that called for:

  • Collaborative restoration programs between county authorities, ACEECA, and community groups.
  • Strengthened enforcement of environmental regulations to prevent further encroachment.
  • Scaling up of community-led conservation initiatives such as tree nurseries, riverbank fencing, and public education drives.

The meeting underscored the ACEECA growing role as a regional leader in climate advocacy and community mobilization. With the pledges made, the organization and its partners hope to turn words into action and revive Tharaka Nithi degraded riparian ecosystems into thriving green corridors once again.