Omanyala reveals Ngong Hills ecological restoration plans

March has kicked off on a high note for Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, who is set to embark on an ambitious environmental restoration initiative.

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has allocated Omanyala five acres of land at Ngong Hills, recognizing him as an environment champion. This move aligns with his role as a Climate Action, Peace, and Environmental ambassador.

On Wednesday, 5 February, Omanyala joined a team of conservationists and environmental advocates for a three-hour site visit to the iconic Ngong Hills.

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During the visit, he pledged to adopt five acres of the 15-acre site that KFS has designated for ecological restoration.

His vision for the space includes transforming it into a thriving green sanctuary with a mix of indigenous and fruit trees to enhance biodiversity. The initiative will also feature a recreational park where visitors can connect with nature and engage in outdoor wellness activities.

The project will integrate essential infrastructure to ensure sustainability. Key developments include fencing to protect young trees from human and wildlife interference and a borehole to provide a sustainable water supply for both tree maintenance and community use.

Ngong Hills is a major water catchment area that has suffered from human encroachment, illegal logging, and climate-induced degradation, making this project a crucial intervention.

One of the most exciting aspects of Omanyala’s project is the creation of a “Living Museum.”

This unique initiative aims to honor individuals who have brought glory to Kenya in sports and various sectors, including media, entertainment, and community leadership.

Each tree planted in the area will represent an individual whose contributions to society are worth commemorating.

“When the trees grow, we will have a story written for each individual on their respective trees. This will turn into a museum where generations will visit to read about the heroes of our past, present, and future,” Omanyala explained.

Additionally, part of the land will be dedicated to fruit trees, where visitors can enjoy fresh juices for free while reading the inspiring stories attached to each tree.

The Ngong Hills Restoration Project is a long-term endeavor that requires collective effort. Conservation groups, including Team Environment Kenya (TEK), are rallying philanthropists, corporate sponsors, and environmental advocates to support the initiative.

TEK’s Executive Director, Matthew Ochanda, emphasized the need for sustainable funding.

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“Restoring Ngong Hills is not just about planting trees, it’s about creating a long-term ecosystem that benefits both people and nature. To achieve this, we need support from all corners: philanthropists, corporate sponsors, and individuals who believe in environmental conservation,” he offered.

A fundraising and resource mobilization campaign is in the works to finance infrastructure development, logistics, and ongoing tree-planting activities.

This aligns with Kenya’s national reforestation agenda, including the government-backed 10% tree cover policy and grassroots-led afforestation programs.

Omanyala is encouraging Kenyans to take personal responsibility for environmental conservation.

As part of his advocacy, he is promoting the Trees for Birthdays initiative, where individuals plant trees equivalent to their age on their birthdays.

He urged, “If you don’t have space, contact us, and we will provide it for you so we can celebrate together!”