Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has announced plans to install real-time air quality monitoring sensors in the Mau Forest during the launch of the Mau Conservation Marathon on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, part of a wider strategy to conserve one of Kenya’s most critical water towers.

“Mau Conservation Marathon call to action to protect the Mau Forest Complex and secure our future. Environment Principal Secretary, Festus Ng’eno, the Patron of the Marathon, graced the launch at the Rift Valley Sports Club in Nakuru City,” Susan Kihika said.

She explained that her administration is rolling out targeted actions aimed at addressing environmental concerns while empowering local communities.

“I highlighted measures we are taking to conserve the Mau Forest, a portion of which lies in Nakuru County. They include installing real-time air quality monitoring sensors to track pollution, restoring degraded forests, promoting livelihoods, and enhancing community engagement,” Kihika added.

The governor emphasised that conservation must be practical and people-centred to achieve long-term results.

“For the restoration of the MFC to succeed, we have chosen to move conservation from boardrooms to the daily lives of the people it affects,” she said.

The Mau Conservation Marathon, which Kihika launched during the event, is expected to mobilise communities, institutions, and athletes towards protecting the forest.

By linking environmental conservation with athletics, the initiative seeks to create awareness while offering opportunities for public participation.

Kihika’s announcement on the installation of air quality monitoring sensors comes at a time when pollution and deforestation have been listed among the major threats facing the Mau Forest. The sensors are expected to help track pollution trends in real-time, offering data that can be used for policy decisions and restoration strategies.

Her message also highlighted the need for grassroots involvement in protecting the forest, pointing out that success depends on community ownership of conservation efforts. “We have chosen to move conservation from boardrooms to the daily lives of the people it affects,” Kihika said, underscoring the county’s intention to make conservation part of everyday life for residents who depend on the forest.