Re-imagining Community-led Conservation: A Model of Self-Driven Conservancies in Kajiado
Central KajiadoHow locally established conservancies are putting community ownership, governance and development at the centre of conservation.
Our Story
From frustration to a movement.
We began in a place of frustration — human–wildlife conflict with little conservation attention paid to Central Kajiado. Rather than dwell on the conflict, our founders mobilized their neighbours toward a homegrown solution.
2020
Kikesen River Conservancy
The first conservancy in the region is mobilized and registered, becoming the reference point for Parsilet, Oldoinyo Sambu and Kisapuk — conservancies along a major wildlife migratory route from Tanzania and the Lake Magadi region.
2021
A Second Wave
Lorbetera and Noosikitok Conservancies are born on the peripheries of the Amboseli National Park ecosystem, as the model keeps proving itself to neighbouring communities.
2022
Ramat Wildlife Society Registered
As Mailwa, Emotoroki, Meto and Long'oswa open up to conservancies of their own, RAMAT is registered as a coordinating body to raise resources and strengthen governance region-wide.
2023
Endorsed as the Regional Body
On 6 July 2023, chairpersons of Central Kajiado's conservancies endorse Ramat Wildlife Society as their representative body — change is coming.
Embassy of France became our first supporter, through the introduction of filmmaker Dr. Paula Kahumbu of Wildlife Direct — funding salaries for community scouts at Kikesen, Noosikitok and Lorbetera Conservancies.
Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association (KWCA) paid scout salaries at Kikesen River Conservancy through the height of COVID‑19, and supported our first governance training for conservancy leaders and the mapping of ten conservancies.
