This archive report was first published on 4 June 2020.
On World Environment Day, we reflect on the importance of conservancies in Kenya. These often-overlooked areas are the backbone of the country's tourism industry, providing a livelihood for millions of people.
Conservancies are lands whose owners take proactive steps to protect the environment and wildlife, while also improving and diversifying their livelihoods. With a history dating back to the 1970s, they cover 11% of the country, with almost all the land being owned by Kenyans.
President Kenyatta has recognized the crucial role conservancies play in protecting Kenya's environment, allocating Sh1 billion for rangers in his Eight-Point Economic Stimulus Programme against the impact of Covid-19.
Conservancies are not just important for the environment; they also have a significant socioeconomic impact. They bring benefits to over 5 million Kenyans, with the pastoral lifestyle, natural landscapes, and wildlife being the key assets driving their livelihoods.
Wildlife is a crucial component of the tourism industry, which generated Sh164 billion last year and created one in 12 jobs nationwide. The Wildlife and Conservation Management Act 2013 established the Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund, which aims to provide a dependable, independent, and long-term finance for conservation.
Our organizations have long advocated for this fund, working closely with The Nature Conservancy to design robust finance mechanisms with strong governance, representation, and transparency. The fund gathers private investment, donor money, and government appropriations to support conservation activities in both State-run protected areas and conservancies.
As we celebrate World Environment Day, we urge the government to take decisive action and invest in the Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund. This will ensure the long-term protection of Kenya's natural assets and wildlife, and coordinate conservation activities across the country.
Mr. Dickson ole Kaelo is the CEO of the Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association, and Mr. Tom Lalampaa is the CEO of the Northern Rangelands Trust.
