The government has launched a Ksh20.8 billion conservation plan targeting over 7,800 direct jobs for Kenyans over the next 10 years to protect wildlife, restore ecosystems, and create economic opportunities for communities across 31 counties.
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) on Wednesday, October 21, launched the Thamani Asili Programme at Tsavo West National Park in Taita Taveta County, a programme that will ensure secure and sustainable financing for wildlife conservation, ecosystem protection, and community development.
In a statement obtained by Kenyans.co.ke, the initiative brings together the Kenyan government, KWS, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Enduring Earth and other conservation partners.
According to the statement, in addition to protecting wildlife, the programme will strengthen community livelihoods, water security, climate resilience, and sustainable economic growth.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano during the launch of the Thamani Asili Programme at Tsavo West National Park on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
Photo
KWS
Under the programme, the government has committed Ksh10 billion, which will be matched by a further Ksh10 billion in support from other stakeholders to help conserve wildlife, forests, and other ecosystems.
"Kenya today launched the USD160 million (Ksh20.8 billion) Thamani Asili Programme at Tsavo West National Park, marking a significant milestone in the country's efforts to secure sustainable financing for wildlife conservation, ecosystem protection and community development," KWS stated.
"Under the programme agreement, the Government of Kenya has committed US$80 million, matched by US$80 million in philanthropic support mobilised through TNC and its alliance partner, Enduring Earth. Using the Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) model, Thamani Asili establishes a long-term financing framework designed to move conservation beyond short-term funding cycles towards predictable investment, institutional accountability and measurable results," it added.
The project covers a total of 31 counties, in efforts to bring at least 30 per cent of Kenya's lands, inland waters and near-shore ecosystems under conservation and management.
According to KWS, the Thamani Asili Programme targets three main conservation targets: to establish over 2.7 million hectares of new conserved areas in 10 years, to improve management of existing conservation areas, covering 11 million hectares, and to enable communities to better manage a further 6 million hectares of conserved land.
The programme will also see Kenyans get over 22,800 jobs, with 7,800 direct jobs and over 15,000 indirect jobs in ecotourism, sustainable grazing, and carbon initiatives, among other enterprises.
Also, the programme is expected to directly benefit approximately 1.6 million people, with a further 3.9 million people expected to benefit from improved land governance and natural resource management.
"Investments are expected to support approximately 7,800 direct jobs and 15,000 indirect jobs, creating opportunities in ecotourism, sustainable grazing, carbon initiatives and other nature-based enterprises.
The move comes at a time when Kenya is intensifying efforts to increase the proportion of its land, inland waters and near-shore ecosystems under effective conservation and management to at least 30 per cent.
The programme is intended to help the country work towards the goal while also supporting climate action, economic development and biodiversity protection.
An undated photo of the Tsavo East National Park Entrance.
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