Since 2019, Bio-Innovations for Sustainable Development (BISD) has been at the forefront of
restoring the Khorela River watershed in Western Kenya. What began as a bold idea has now
grown into a transformative community-driven initiative that is reclaiming riparian ecosystems,
boosting rural livelihoods, and building resilience against climate change.
From Nurseries to Restoration
BISD has established:
• A five-acre vetiver grass nursery, which is stabilizing riverbanks, trapping plastics, and
safeguarding waterways.
• Indigenous tree and bamboo nurseries, bringing back native biodiversity and protecting
fragile ecosystems.
• Arrowroot nurseries, which serve both ecological and nutritional purposes.
• Spring protection projects, ensuring clean and reliable water sources for surrounding
communities.
Vetiver grass, once an underutilized resource, is now a game-changer in Mayoni. It not only
protects riparian soils but is increasingly adopted by local farmers as quality animal fodder. The
growing vegetation is also creating new habitats, drawing back wildlife—from birds to small
animals—into the ecosystem.
Nurturing Conservation through Culture
Looking beyond direct restoration, BISD is also innovating ways to embed conservation into
community culture. Plans are underway to launch an Annual Nurture Walk and Cycling Event,
covering a scenic 21km circuit. This initiative will not only raise awareness on watershed
protection but also unite the community in a shared mission for conservation.
Additionally, BISD envisions a Community Recreation and Education Centre at the Khorela River
Side Farm—a space where conservation knowledge, cultural exchange, and recreation intersect
to inspire future generations.
Bold Targets for a Greener Tomorrow
By 2032, BISD aims to ensure riparian areas in the Mayoni watershed are fully reclaimed. To
achieve this, the organization plans to:
• Propagate 10 million vetiver grass seedlings.
• Raise 5 million indigenous and fruit trees, along with bamboo.
• Grow 1 million arrowroot seedlings.
The impact of these efforts extends far beyond environmental restoration. With cleaner
waterways, BISD is preparing to introduce aquaculture and beekeeping enterprises. These
ventures will create sustainable livelihoods for riparian farmers while strengthening their
incentives to protect natural resources.
A Partnership for Lasting Change
SAWASHI is proud to partner with BISD, whose leadership also includes champions from the
Anglican Green Movement under the ACK Diocese of Mumias. Together, we are working hand in
hand with local communities to conserve and restore the Mayoni watershed, laying the
foundation for long-term climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Why This Matters
The Mayoni watershed is more than just a landscape—it is a lifeline for thousands of households.
Supporting BISD’s work is not only about restoring an ecosystem but also about investing in
community resilience, food security, biodiversity conservation, and climate justice.
With your partnership, this vision can be accelerated. Every seedling planted, every spring
protected, every child educated about conservation brings us closer to a future where people and
nature thrive together.
Join us in restoring the Khorela River watershed. Together, we can turn today’s efforts into
tomorrow’s legacy.
