Wildlife conservancies call for clear policy guidelines

By Ali Abdi

Community based wildlife conservancies have called on the Government to formulate policies that would guide conservation projects.

Samburu, Laikipia, Narok and Kajiado conservancies noted that a legislative policy would ensure prudent management of the resources and proceeds accrued from wildlife.

The issue was addressed during a tour of the northern tourism circuit by Amboseli Tsavo Group Ranches Conservation Association and councillors from Loitokitok district.

Mr Jonathan Lekanayia, the association’s project manager said the programme was popular and within the law but lacked guidelines.

"The conservancies are worthy projects that benefits us but we can not develop further because of lack of policy guideline from the Government. This has frustrated our efforts,’’ said the official. Locals, especially those living around game reserves like Maasai Mara, Amboseli and Samburu, are encouraged to conserve and protect both wildlife and environment and in return they are funded to set up small businesses.

The larger community also benefits from water, health, employment opportunities and schools. "The government and the international community have seen the need to invest in communities living near game reserves.

This is why we have in place conservancy groups," said Lekanayia. He stressed that regulation to stem abuse of benefits being accrued from the initiatives that are purely set up as way to improve livelihoods of the communities involved was necessary.

Asking the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to spearhead the process, the official revealed that communities in Loitokitok had agreed to set aside land for wildlife conservation but pointed out that there should be measures to eradicate poverty.