Environment

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Overview

Kenya is globally recognized for its rich biodiversity and iconic landscapes. Kenya’s economy and its citizen's livelihoods depend on their natural resources and nature-based tourism which COVID-19 has diminished. Climate variability, wildlife crime, urban expansion, and rapid population growth threaten Kenya’s conservation efforts. USAID responds to these threats by expanding the conservancy model(link is external).

Biodiversity Conservation

Sixty-five percent of Kenya’s iconic wildlife live outside the national parks. USAID and Kenya Wildlife Service pioneered the community conservancy model in Kenya to support better coexistence between communities and wildlife. Our approach protects wildlife, expands economic opportunities, and enhances the ability of people and land to withstand climate variability and shocks. Collaborative local solutions are paving the way for sustainable conservation outcomes. Community conservancies offer a pathway to recovery from the impacts of COVID and remain essential in combating wildlife trafficking and protecting Kenya’s diverse and rich biodiversity.

USAID has formed innovative partnerships with Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association, Northern Rangelands Trust, Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association, and Laikipia Conservancies Association(link is external). Together, we conserve 7 million hectares of land on which 200 conservancies ensure that wildlife thrives and communities benefit from natural resources. Eleven percent of Kenya’s land is currently under conservancy management with USAID’s support.

Combating Wildlife Trafficking

USAID has built a strong coalition of governmental and intergovernmental agencies to address the transnational threat of wildlife crime. We work with local and international partners, including Kenya Wildlife Service, the U.S. Department of Interior, WildlifeDirect, and local communities to counter wildlife trafficking. Our programs enhance wildlife management, raise awareness on wildlife conservation and zoonotic diseases, and help prosecute wildlife crimes. We also provide support to research and technologies that explore innovative ways to protect animals.

Climate Action

The U.S. Government rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement in 2021. Together, the United States and Kenya will amplify their commitment to climate change through Kenya’s Vision 2030. Kenya’s commitment to a low emissions economy and climate adaptation are key components. USAID works with Kenya’s legislative framework to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help Kenyans adapt to the impacts of climate change. USAID engages with the private sector and Kenya’s policy framework to develop a climate strategy to enact the priorities of the Kenyan and American governments. COP27 will be held in Egypt this year, providing a good opportunity for Kenya to discuss issues in the region.

STORIES

This Rhino is My Son(link is external)

Rescuing a baby Elephant in Kenya(link is external)

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On April 30, 2016, Kenya burned 105 tons of elephant ivory and rhino horns, the largest such burn to date. USAID is working closely with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to respond to these threats and scale up Kenya’s efforts to combat wildlife crime.
Eric Onyiego / USAID Kenya and East Africa

Fact Sheets

15 results

Coastal Plastic Circular Economy

Despite Kenya's significant strides in recent years, such as the ban on plastic bags and single-use plastics, the country continues to grapple with the menace of plastic pollution.

Combating Wildlife Crime in Kenya

Wildlife conservation faces several challenges globally, and Kenya is no exception. This has further been exacerbated by the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic.

Conservation of the Maasai Mara Landscape

The Conservation of the Maasai Mara Landscape activity is working with five local partners, including conservation, community health, gender empowerment, and indigenous people’s rights organizations, to increase the resilience of the Mara landscape for wildlife conservation and community well-being.

Environment and Natural Resources Management

Kenya’s biodiversity and unique landscapes are among the most iconic in the world. The diverse wildlife and conservation areas are among the country's natural assets. Natural resources and nature-based tourism are drivers of the Kenyan economy and a source of livelihood to approximately 5.2 million people.

Kenya Climate Change Country Profile

Climate risks pose serious threats to Kenya’s sustainable development goals. While the country is East Africa’s financial, trade, and communications hub, its economy is largely dependent on rainfed agriculture and tourism—each of which is susceptible to climate variability and extreme weather events.

Kenya Conservation Policy Local Works

Kenya’s land mass includes snowy mountain ranges, rich grasslands, iconic forests, coastal bluffs, and majestic plains. Changes in land use and management, human wildlife conflict, and wildlife crime are among the threats to the iconic animals and lands in Kenya.

Mombasa Plastics Prize Incubator

The Mombasa Plastics Prize aims to encourage innovation and awareness among aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders in Mombasa County by inspiring the development of solutions that tackle ocean plastic waste mismanagement within informal settlements. With high rates of plastic pollution, the Kenyan coast is a place where innovation can be particularly impactful.

People to People Reconciliation Program

The USAID People to People Program supports peaceful coexistence between different ethnic groups (Samburu, Turkana, Borana, Gabrah, Pokot and Somalis) in Northern Kenya by promoting a culture of peace and non-violent conflict resolution among communities.

Plastics Producer Responsibility

Kenya is a leader when it comes to national commitments and policies to reduce plastic pollution.

Strengthening Laikipia Conservancies

Laikipia is one of the most important wildlife regions in Kenya. Across this rangeland plateau fringed by highland forests, a mosaic of private and community conservancies collectively manages 3500 square kilometers of wildlife habitat, sustaining globally significant biodiversity while supporting pastoral and commercial cattle enterprises.