Since 2004, USAID has invested close to USD $32 million in northern and coastal Kenya through its partnership with Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT). That investment has led to the development of 43 independent and sustainable community-owned conservancies in Kenya. The communities are driving local development in conservation, economic empowerment, and peace and security.  

USAID’s initial investment of USD $300,000 in 2004 has become a community conservancy management model that now covers over 11% of Kenya’s land - 7% of which is within NRT, and has gained regional and global attention. Seventy percent of Kenya’s iconic wildlife live outside the national parks. The community conservancy model protects wildlife, expands economic opportunities, and enhances the ability of people and land to withstand climate variability and shocks.

In line with the Government of Kenya strategies and USAID’s support, Kenya’s conservancies will grow to 20% by 2030. These lands are critical given that 70% of Kenya’s magnificent mammals roam outside national parks and reserves. Almost 200 conservancies (43 within NRT) ensure that wildlife thrives and communities benefit from the natural resources across 15 million acres of land.  Also, community conservancies in northern Kenya are a lynchpin in combating wildlife trafficking.