BY PETER ONGERA

Kenya’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, is sprinting beyond the track—this time, into environmental conservation. 

As a Climate Action, Peace, and Environmental Ambassador, Omanyala has taken a bold step in restoring and rehabilitating Ngong Hills, a critical ecological site near Nairobi.

On a recent three-hour site visit to Ngong Hills, Omanyala joined a team of conservationists and environmental advocates.

He celebrated the beauty of nature while reaffirming his commitment to sustainability. Omanyala was in the company of Sergeant. John Thuo KFS, Champ, Matthew Ochanda of TEK and Janet Ruto, CEO – Jani Mpya Solutions

During the visit, he pledged to adopt five acres of the 15-acre land the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) allocated for ecological restoration.

Omanyala’s five-acre section will be transformed into a thriving green space, featuring a mix of indigenous and fruit trees to enhance biodiversity.

The plan includes creating a recreational park where communities and visitors can connect with nature, promoting environmental awareness and outdoor wellness activities.

Recognising the challenges of afforestation in semi-arid landscapes, the project will also include essential infrastructure, such as:

-Fencing to protect young trees from human and wildlife interference.

-A borehole to ensure a sustainable water supply for both tree maintenance and community use.

This initiative aligns with Kenya’s broader efforts to combat deforestation and restore degraded lands.

Ngong Hills, a major catchment area, has suffered from human encroachment, illegal logging, and climate-induced degradation.

Omanyala’s involvement brings fresh momentum to conservation efforts, inspiring young people and sports enthusiasts to engage in environmental action.

One of the most exciting aspects of the project is the creation of a “Living Museum”—a unique approach to commemorating notable figures in sports, media, entertainment, and other fields.

Over the next 3 to 10 years, periodic tree-planting expeditions will be held in honor of these individuals.

Each tree will be marked with a plaque, symbolising their contributions and reinforcing the message of sustainability.

Speaking about the initiative, Ferdinand Omanyala expressed his excitement for the project’s long-term impact:

“We want this to be more than just a forest restoration project; we want to create a space where history, nature, and legacy come together,” Omanyala said.

Omanyala added, “The Living Museum will be a place where future generations can walk through and see the names of great athletes, musicians, journalists, and community heroes honored through trees.”

Every tree will tell a story, and together, they will form a powerful narrative of resilience, growth, and commitment to the environment, he said.

This initiative is not only about planting trees but also about growing a culture of environmental responsibility.

By integrating conservation with legacy building, the project aims to make tree planting an engaging, communal, and meaningful experience.

Matthew Ochanda: “We Need Collective Support for this Vision”

The Ngong Hills Restoration Project is an ambitious endeavor that requires collective effort.

The organisers, including Team Environment Kenya (TEK Kenya) and other conservation agents, are inviting philanthropists, celebrities, and corporate partners to support the initiative.

Matthew Ochanda, the Executive Director of Team Environment Kenya, stressed the importance of fundraising to ensure the project’s success.

“Restoring Ngong Hills is not just about planting trees—it’s about creating a long-term, sustainable ecosystem that benefits both people and nature,” he said.

“To achieve this, we need support from all corners—philanthropists, corporate sponsors, and individuals who believe in environmental conservation,” Ochanda added.

He highlighted the upcoming fundraiser and resource mobilisation campaign, which will help fund infrastructure, logistics, and tree-planting activities.

       

“Every tree we plant is an investment in our future. With adequate resources, we can turn Ngong Hills into a model green space, offering environmental education, recreation, and conservation opportunities,” he added.

Kenya has been making strides in reforestation efforts, with government-backed programs like the 10 percent tree cover policy and grassroots-driven initiatives contributing to national goals.

Omanyala’s involvement amplifies these efforts by demonstrating that climate action is not just for policymakers but for every citizen, including athletes, artists, and business leaders.

As a sports icon, Omanyala’s influence extends far beyond the racetrack. His advocacy for climate action serves as an inspiration, especially for young people who look up to him.

By taking tangible steps in conservation, he is proving that environmental sustainability and athletic excellence can go hand in hand.