INTRODUCTION
A wetland is a land that is saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, such that it takes on the characteristics of a distinct ecosystem.
It can also be defined as an ecosystem that arises when inundation by water produces soils dominated by anaerobic processes which in turn forces the biota particularly rooted plants to adopt to flooding
Wetlands are areas of land that are permanently, seasonally or occasionally water logged with fresh ,saline, brackish or marine waters including both natural and manmade areas that support characteristic biota. Globally wetlands occupy about 6% of the earth’s surface .Kenya’s wetlands occupy about 3% to 4% which is approximately 1400 kilometers square of land surface and fluctuates up to 6% during the rainy seasons.

According to the ramsar convention a wetland is an area of marsh, fen, peatland or water whether natural or artificial permanent or temporary with water that is static or flowing, fresh brackish or salt including areas of marine water the depth of which do not exceed six meters
The factor that distinguishes wetlands from other landforms or water bodies is the characteristic vegetation that is adapted to its unique soil condition. Wetlands consist mainly of hydric soil, which supports aquatic plants There are four main types of wetlands * marshes * swamps * bogs and * ferns
The subtypes include mangrove, Carr, pocosin and varzea
Wetlands may be natural or artificial. The water found in them can be saltwater, fresh water or brackish there are even underground wetlands
Wetlands are a critical part of our natural environment. And have several functions and uses which range from ecological, economic recreational and cultural they include

KENYATTA UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL: ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
DEPARTMENT: ENVIRONMENTAL