The Kenya Wetlands Forum (KWF) is a multi-institutional stakeholder consortium that works to promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands in Kenya. KWF brings together institutions – government, non-government, national and international organizations, private sector and individuals. Its stated mission is to “be an independent and rational platform for discussion, sharing ideas and strategizing for the sustainable future of Kenyan Wetlands” The KWF vision is that Kenya’s wetlands are conserved and managed within the Ramsar principles of wise use for posterity.

Vision

“Kenya’s wetlands are conserved and managed within the wise use principles of the Ramsar Convention for the present and future generations”

Mission

“To provide a platform for constructive dialogue as a multi stakeholder institution on wetlands and to facilitate creation and implementation of appropriate policies, legislation and conservation practices for sustainable management of wetlands in Kenya and the global community”

Objectives

• To strengthen the institutional as well as organizational framework of the KWF.
• To strengthen partnerships and build alliances between the KWF and its institutional/individual partners at the local, national and international levels.
• To enhance the capacity, information and knowledge base for long – term conservation, wise use and management of wetlands in Kenya.
• To ensure that on the basis of scientific knowledge, important wetlands are secured and protected as Ramsar sites, wetland reserves and other appropriate conservation areas.
• To facilitate and support policy legislation that promote the integration of wetland values and wise use principles into planning, management and development options.
• Facilitate the domestication and make best use of regional and international conventions and agreements for wetland conservation.
• To improve and strengthen funding and sustainability of programmes and activities.

Key Activities

KWF is involved in three main activities, advocacy, information sharing and partnership development

Key achievements to date

• Halting of mining of soda ash at Lake Natron by TATA chemicals.
• Gazettement of Wetlands regulations
• Enactment and Implementation of the Draft Wetlands Policy- ongoing
• Education and Awareness on the proposed Draft Policy and other pieces of legislation related to wetlands e.g Land Policy, Water Act, EMCA, Wildlife Sector reforms, advocacy, Good governance, Wetlands regulation, 2009 and draft policy in Tana Delta, Ol Bolossat, Yala Swamp and other areas.
• Development of Lake Jipe Management Plan (Yet to be launched being printed by NEMA) and Lake Ol Bolossat Management Plan (Was Launched February 2010 during World Wetlands day events).