Encroachment of King'wal swamp endangers rare Sitatunga antelopes

Nandi CEC Lands and Environment Alfred Lagat inspects a section of Kingwal swamp that was destroyed by fire, on March 8, 2025. Edwin Kosut, Standard]

Drought and wildfires are ravaging the canopy of reeds in the swampy area at the heart of Nandi.

Dark clouds of smoke are hovering over the King'wal area, a vast water tower that was once teeming with indigenous trees and aquatic reeds, a perfect sanctuary of rare Sitatunga antelopes.