Re-imagining Community-led Conservation: A Model of Self-Driven Conservancies in Central Kajiado

Traditionally, establishing a conservancy in Kenya has relied heavily on external funding, often resulting in restrictions, conflicts, and unsustainable outcomes. However, in Central Kajiado, a new approach is taking shape, where local communities are leading conservation efforts through self-initiated conservancies that prioritize development alongside wildlife preservation.

For years, Central Kajiado—an essential wildlife corridor—received minimal conservation investment. This neglect led to the proliferation of fenced private ranches, and an increase in poaching. Human-wildlife conflict became a persistent challenge for residents, and wildlife populations steadily declined.

Taking Ownership

In response to these challenges, community leaders founded RAMAT Wildlife Society to support their conservancies. Unlike traditional models, the 14 community-led conservancies, spanning 105,000 hectares, were established without external funding. Instead, they emerged from a shared vision of environmental stewardship and community development.

“Our model is based on community development, not just wildlife conservation,” explains Simon Sosoika, Chairperson of RAMAT Wildlife Society. “Wildlife is only one of our resources. If we protect our environment, we unlock many opportunities—such as better health, clean water, and poverty reduction.”

These conservancies operate through mutual agreements rather than formal contracts, aligning with Maasai traditions of respect and cooperation. Membership is voluntary, with no coercion involved. Landowners collectively commit to safeguarding wildlife and preventing land degradation. Over time, they aim to attract investments in tourism and other development projects.

Strengthening Governance

RAMAT has prioritized training conservancy committees to establish strong governance structures and foster partnerships with organizations like the Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association, The Nature Conservancy, WWF, and IFAW. These efforts empower communities to manage their conservancies independently, ensuring that governance remains in the hands of those who live on the land and understand its value.

“We have dispelled the myth that you need large sums of money to start a conservancy,” Sosoika adds. “All you need is open land, organized communities, and wildlife—that’s 80% of the investment.”

By building strong conservancies before involving external partners, communities can establish solid foundations. This approach allows time for the “storming and forming” phases—where new institutions find their footing and become stable.

The Road Ahead: Exploring New Frontiers in Conservation

Despite these achievements, access to resources remains a significant challenge. “International conservation agencies often dominate donor networks, making it difficult for grassroots organizations to secure funding,” notes John Kisimir, RAMAT’s co-founder.

But RAMAT remains optimistic and is currently working on developing carbon credits to create sustainable income streams for its conservancies.

A Model for the Future

The conservancies in Central Kajiado offer a blueprint for reimagining conservation across Africa. They demonstrate that local communities—united by a shared vision, robust governance, and cultural heritage—can restore ecosystems while building sustainable livelihoods.

“We want the world to see that true community-led conservation is possible—and we want the conservation sector to invest in us,” Kisimir emphasizes.