Narok County Wildlife Conservancies Act 2026: Community Participation at Core

• The Narok County Wildlife Conservancies Act establishes a dedicated fund to support conservation efforts.
• At least 2% of county revenue will be allocated to the Wildlife Conservancies Fund.
• Community participation and inclusivity are core principles of the legislation.
• The Narok County Wildlife Conservancies Board will coordinate conservation efforts and promote community involvement.

The new financing model will help secure sustainable conservation while addressing the economic challenges faced by communities living near wildlife habitats.

A significant development in Narok County's conservation efforts is the establishment of a dedicated Wildlife Conservancies Fund, which will receive at least 2% of the county government's revenue. This funding model aims to secure sustainable conservation while addressing economic challenges faced by communities living near wildlife habitats. The fund will support conservation activities, improve conservancy operations, and provide financial assistance to families affected by human-wildlife conflict. To ensure transparency and accountability, the law requires proper financial management, annual audits, and public reporting.

The Narok County Wildlife Conservancies Act places community participation at its core, empowering local communities to take ownership of wildlife conservation efforts. The legislation supports the establishment of conservancies, promotes conservation education, and encourages partnerships with government agencies and conservation organizations. To ensure inclusivity, public participation, transparency, dialogue, and representation of youth, marginalized groups, and persons living with disabilities are required in conservation governance. This approach aims to balance wildlife conservation with socio-economic development by making local communities direct beneficiaries of conservation efforts.

The Narok County Wildlife Conservancies Board will play a crucial role in coordinating conservation efforts, improving conservancy governance, and strengthening community involvement in protecting the Greater Mara Ecosystem. The Board will oversee conservancy management, coordinate conservation programs, support infrastructure development, and work with the Kenya Wildlife Service to recognize conservancies. This collaborative approach seeks to promote the establishment, sustainability, and long-term development of wildlife conservancies in Narok County.

Lawyers advising clients on conservation projects or investments in Narok County should be aware of the new funding model established by the Narok County Wildlife Conservancies Act, which requires at least 2% of county revenue to be allocated to a dedicated Wildlife Conservancies Fund.

Source: Original reporting via Narok County Government