Earlier Yesterday, a significant meeting was held between the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, led by Cabinet Secretary Hon. Rebecca Miano and Principal Secretary for Wildlife Silvia Museiya, CBS , alongside key representatives of the Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association (KWCA). The meeting brought together CEOs and representatives from various Landscape Conservancy Associations across the country, including the Western Wildlife Conservancies Association (WWCA), which represents the interests of wildlife conservation in Western Kenya. Other associations present were from the Amboseli Ecosystem Trust, Northern Rangelands Trust, Baringo County Conservancies Association, Taita Taveta Wildlife Conservancies Association, Laikipia Conservancies Association, AthiKapiti Wildlife Conservancies Association, Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association, and North Eastern Conservancies Association.
For WWCA, this meeting marks a significant milestone in the conservation landscape of Western Kenya. The acknowledgment by the government of the efforts of conservancies in securing wildlife habitats and supporting community development projects is a validation of the tireless work being done by local communities and conservation partners. This is particularly crucial for Western Kenya, where wildlife conservation efforts are gaining momentum but still require significant support and recognition.
As part of the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure in conservancies, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has already allocated KES 475 million to support 22 conservancies across Kenya. This funding is set to enhance access roads, boreholes, and water pans, vital infrastructure that will not only promote tourism but also help mitigate the effects of climate change and human-wildlife conflict. For the Western Wildlife Conservancies Association, this funding will be instrumental in improving the accessibility and sustainability of conservation efforts in the region.
The meeting also highlighted the critical role of landscape conservancy associations in community development. In Western Kenya, conservancies are not only about protecting wildlife but also about improving livelihoods through eco-tourism and community-led conservation initiatives. The support from the Ministry, including financial pledges, is a positive step toward fostering these goals.
As we continue to build a stronger conservation framework in Western Kenya, the support from both government and other partners will be critical in achieving long-term sustainability for wildlife and the communities that coexist with them. WWCA remains committed to its mission of ensuring that wildlife conservation contributes to the well-being of local communities and to the overall biodiversity of Kenya.
