Community Enterprises

The KWS Community Enterprise Development is mandated to develop the capacity of communities and private landowners to establish and manage economically viable and sustainable nature-based enterprises within targeted landscapes of Kenya. The aim is to build the capacity of communities to increase social and economic benefits to reduce the dependence syndrome.

Currently there are inadequate incentives to motivate communities and land owners to adopt land use practices that are compatible with wildlife conservation and management. The land outside PAs is largely under the control of private owners and communities. Their cooperation is essential for the success of wildlife conservation activities, as the majority of these lands are subject to a multiplicity of uses some of which conflict with wildlife conservation. With proper incentives, land use practices that are phasing out wildlife such as agriculture can be minimized or confined to appropriate areas.

Additionally, wildlife resources may contain valuable compounds for all humankind. Bioprospecting can contribute to wildlife conservation through royalties and addition of knowledge. This potential exists and remains unexploited.

KWS’ role is to tap this potential and facilitate partnerships with prospective investors for communities to realize benefits from sustainable wildlife conservation.

Kenya Wildlife Service recognizes the communities that coexist with wildlife as a key partner in sustainable wildlife conservation for the future generations and for posterity. Conservation and management of wildlife resources in Kenya is in rapid transition. Mainstreaming sustainable wildlife conservation into the national development agenda and optimizing the net benefits to society for generations to come is a challenge that we must address. Sustainable wildlife conservation for future generations and posterity requires participatory involvement of the communities interacting with wildlife.

Examples of community based enterprises established since the establishment of the KWS community wildlife service include

• LUMO wildlife sanctuary in Tsavo ecosyetm
• Mwalunganje Elephant sanctuary in Shimba Hills ecosystem
• Kimana  wildlife sanctuary in Amboseli ecosyetm
• Olerai-Kipeto community wildlife sanctuary in Kitengela ecosystem and
• Ilngwesi tourisn bandas in Laikipia