Narok County Enacts Wildlife Conservancies Act to Protect Greater Mara Ecosystem

Narok County in Kenya has enacted the Narok County Wildlife Conservancies Act, 2026, to protect the Greater Mara Ecosystem. The legislation establishes a dedicated Wildlife Conservancies Fund to finance conservation programmes and strengthen community conservancies across the county.

The legal significance of this development lies in its potential to provide a sustainable financial model for wildlife conservation initiatives in Narok County. By allocating at least two percent of the county government's audited revenue to the fund, the Act aims to address the economic challenges faced by communities living near wildlife habitats while securing sustainable conservation.

The relevant statutes and regulations involved in this development include the Narok County Wildlife Conservancies Act, 2026, which is a county-specific legislation aimed at promoting community-led conservation efforts. The Act also draws on national laws and policies related to wildlife conservation, such as the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2018.

The key parties involved in this development are the Narok County government, local communities, and conservation organizations. The Act requires public participation, transparency, dialogue, and representation of youth, marginalized groups, and persons living with disabilities in conservation governance.

Practitioner takeaway: Attorneys and businesses should monitor the implementation of the Narok County Wildlife Conservancies Act, 2026, to understand its impact on community-led conservation efforts and the allocation of funds for wildlife conservation initiatives. They should also be aware of the requirements for public participation, transparency, and representation in conservation governance.