NOPUIYOPUI WETLAND A SPECIAL PLACE FOR WATER, NATURE, AND CULTURE
Nopuiyopui Wetlands A Special Place for Water, Nature, and Culture
Nopuiyopui Swamp is found in Kiptunga Forest, in Mariashoni Ward, Molo Sub-county, Nakuru County. It is a very important wetland because it gives birth to big rivers like the Mara River, Amalo River, and Molo River. These rivers flow into big lakes like Lake Victoria and Lake Nakuru.
The area around Nopuiyopui has many other small wetlands. These places help clean water, provide homes for animals and birds, and store water for dry seasons. They are very important for nature and the people living nearby.
The Indigenous community living in the area, especially the Ogiek people, have shared many stories about Nopuiyopui. One elder said that a long time ago, an elephant was swallowed by the swamp, and later, its bones were found in Lake Victoria. Another story says a tractor once tried to cross the swamp and disappeared inside it.
These stories show that the swamp is powerful and should be respected. The people believe it is a special place, and these stories remind us that we should protect it.
Saving Nopuiyopui means protecting rivers, animals, and the culture of Indigenous people. We must use both modern science and Indigenous knowledge to take care of this important wetland for the future.
By Alexander Kisioi
Environmental Activist & Freelance Journalist