This past quarter, the Laikipia Wildlife Forum (LWF) has been on a mission: not just to teach, but to inspire a generation of conservation champions. The spirit to learn more is unmistakable. From dusty playgrounds to shaded tree groves, from classrooms filled with chalkboards to games played under acacia trees, the message is spreading, conservation is no longer just science, it is a way of life.

At Brookwell Harmony School, the air buzzed with curiosity as LWF educators introduced students to the ‘Adopt a Tree’ initiative. Guided by Project Officer, Brian Otieno, each child was not just given a sapling; they were asked to choose it, name it, and understand it. “The right tree, at the right place, at the right time,” became more than a slogan; it became a personal pledge. Discussions on indigenous, fruit, ornamental, and exotic trees turned into dreams of shaded schoolyards and cleaner air. As hands dug into the earth, trees found their new home, planted lovingly by eager young conservationists, each one a seed of hope.

Brian Otieno, Project Officer for Conservation Education at Laikipia Wildlife Forum, guides students of Brookwell Harmony Academy during a hands-on tree planting session as part of the “Adopt a Tree” initiative

Meanwhile, the Nexus Dicey game, an innovative tool that blends fun with ecological literacy, brought to life the delicate balance between human choices and ecosystem health. Students giggled, strategized, and gasped as they realized how one bad decision could ripple across entire habitats. The game, led energetically by James Njihia, our Program Assistant, was not just a diversion; it was a revelation.

Nkandone Primary took a different route into nature’s storybook. There, the wonder of wildlife took center stage. Giraffes, monkeys, fish, and lions, some drawn with crayons, others recited from A to Z, filled the classroom as students learned to classify the animal kingdom. The session, tailored to usher in World Giraffe Day, not only boosted their ecological vocabulary but stirred a deep fascination for the creatures they share their home with.

At Daraja Academy, the conversation shifted to something visible yet often ignored…plastic. Partnering with NKCC, LWF’s facilitators opened the eyes of the students to the daily impact of plastic waste, unpacking the “4Rs”: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Refuse. The discussion turned global, touching on the World Environment Day and even the quirky World Monkey Day, painting a vivid picture of interconnectedness. Once again, Nexus Dicey made an appearance, played in teams this time, as students debated and acted out real-world decisions, learning the environmental cost of inaction.

With bold new partnerships in place, LWF is scaling its Conservation Education Program. In collaboration with the Zeitz Foundation, LWF will launch monthly outreach events, art and essay competitions, teacher training sessions, and mentorship programs across eight schools. It’s a fusion of creativity and curriculum, of storytelling and science, aimed at turning ordinary schooldays into unforgettable conservation journeys.

Alongside TonyWild Foundation, the vision expands further, including eco-storytelling, youth-led photo and video campaigns, and on-campus reforestation projects. These efforts are designed not only to inform, but to empower. To give students tools, platforms, and the voice to advocate for the planet in their way.

And through it all, our longtime ally The Laikipian, with the ever-supportive James Ndung’u, continues to bring colour and joy to classrooms through Art 4 Conservation games, reminding us that learning about nature should never be boring; it should be beautiful.

So, as the sun sets behind the hills of Laikipia, we look forward to a new dawn, a future where children do not  just learn about conservation, they live it. Every tree planted, every animal drawn, every plastic bottle reused, these are the quiet beginnings of a louder, greener movement.

One of the best parts of visiting Ol Pejeta is the self game drive that gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Drive through stunning landscapes and see the majestic Big Five, along with many other animals. Picture the thrill of spotting elephants, rhinos, lions, and more, all from the comfort of your own vehicle. You can enhance your experience further by requesting a tourism guide to accompany you on the self game drive, offering expert insights and ensuring you don’t miss any of the conservancy’s highlights.

Beyond the self game drives, Ol Pejeta offers a range of other adventures such as guided bush/bird walks to get up close and personal with nature or take a thrilling night game drive to witness the nocturnal wonders of the conservancy. Visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and learn about the incredible efforts to protect these primates or indulge in a sundowner and marvel at the serene beauty of the conservancy. You could also engage in lion tracking that helps in contributing to our efforts to understand and conserve these apex predators. Each experience promises unique encounters and insights into the rich biodiversity of Ol Pejeta.

For a one-of-a-kind adventure, spend the night in one of our lovely accommodations, ranging from luxurious lodges to cozy campsites, and drift off to sleep with the soothing sounds of the wild around you.

Come and explore Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where every adventure is a step closer to nature as you create incredible memories with your loved ones. Book your visit today and experience the magic for yourself!

For bookings and more information, contact us on reservations@olpejetaconservancy.org or call +254 707 187141

Photo Credit: Rio the Photographer

Recognizing this need, Laikipia Wildlife Forum (LWF) has strengthened its engagement with Three Rivers Academy. We collaborated with The Laikipian to enlighten students through the innovative Nexus Dicey game. This game helps students grasp the positive impacts of good environmental practices and the detrimental effects of harmful actions, fostering a deeper appreciation for biodiversity and ecosystem health.

During our visits and interactive learning sessions, students actively participated in finding solutions to current climate change challenges, demonstrating their commitment to saving the ecosystem for future generations. These sessions emphasized the urgency of conservation and the critical role of education in instilling environmental stewardship among young minds.

Our collaboration with the Three Rivers Academy Environmental Club involves conservation sessions that address diverse environmental issues and highlight the importance of conservation efforts.

This past quarter, discussions with students revolved around current situations in the country, including the floods that affected most of the country. We also celebrated World Environment Day with them, actively discussing this year’s theme: land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience. These discussions would be followed by outdoor activities for land restoration, providing hands-on learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom into the natural world.

Our conservation education program is designed to foster a deep respect for the environment among students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to become proactive stewards of our ecosystem. The success of our program at Three Rivers Academy is a testament to the dedication of the Environmental Club and the enthusiasm of the students. Empowering students to take charge of their learning is a cornerstone of our approach.

Looking ahead, we aim to expand our efforts by developing more partnerships with other private and international schools to add to the many public schools we currently work with to impart knowledge to younger generations. We are proud of the strides we have made in conservation education and are excited about the future.

Held on the 12^th and 13^th  of March 2024 at the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) offices in Kiwanja Ndege, our training drew enthusiastic participation from members of various CWPs, including Kiwanja Ndege borehole, Ol-kinyei borehole, Arijiju borehole, and Bokish borehole.

Our training sessions kicked off with insightful discussions on governance and leadership within CWPs. Participants actively engaged in identifying governance and leadership gaps specific to their projects, setting the stage for targeted interventions. Additionally, representatives from the WRA provided invaluable insights into policies on groundwater management, enriching participants’ understanding of regulatory frameworks.

Naseria, shares her experience on governance structure of their community water project

Recognizing the critical role of resource mobilization and financial management in project success, we delved into these aspects comprehensively. Led by our team member, Peter Mathenge, discussions focused on effective strategies for mobilizing resources and garnering community support for water projects. Furthermore, Solomon, alongside WRA representatives, guided participants through the development and review of operating budgets.

As the training drew to a close, participants collaborated to develop action plans that will guide their future endeavours. A key focus of these plans was the legalization of boreholes, ensuring the acquisition of necessary permits and certificates for compliance. Additionally, participants committed to developing operating budgets for each project and exploring joint resource mobilization efforts to ensure the continued success and sustainability of CWPs in the region.

Beyond equipping participants with essential skills and knowledge, our training fostered a sense of collaboration and shared responsibility among community members. With actionable plans in place, we are confident that the impact of this training will enhance water resource management and contribute to the sustainable development of our region.

Since 2019, LWF has diligently implemented three Letters of Agreement (LoAs) under this project, primarily focusing on restoring degraded areas and rehabilitating water projects in the greater Laikipia landscape.

To ensure sustainability beyond donor funding, we recently convened a partner consultative engagement meeting aimed at preparing for an exit strategy and conducting an end-of-project evaluation. Benjamin Deridder, our Chief Technical Advisor, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) National Project Coordinator Mr. Meshack Muga, and Patrick Mugi, the Monitoring and Evaluation expert from FAO, were among the attendees. They were joined by a team from FAO headquarters to assist us in crafting an exit/sustainability plan and preparing for the Final Evaluation scheduled for July 2024. The objective was clear: to extract lessons learned, identify best practices, and develop viable solutions while addressing knowledge management needs.

Participants during the consultative meeting

The meeting commenced with a warm welcome from our Executive Director, Celline Achieng’, who provided an overview of LWF’s role. Patrick Mugi from FAO then shared his remarks and outlined the meeting’s expectations.

Our peer implementing partners had the opportunity to present their progress, key achievements, lessons learned, and sustainability plans in light of the imminent conclusion of GEF-6 funding. These partners included Leparua Conservancy, Ilmamusi CFA, Northern Rangelands Trust, and Narupa Conservancy. They highlighted their efforts and contributions to the project success.

Following the presentations, a plenary session was held to facilitate in-depth discussions on the project’s dynamics, fostering collaboration, and promoting cross learning among the partners.

The event culminated in the partners planting trees within LWF’s compound, symbolizing our collective commitment to sustainability and nurturing the environment that sustains us all.

Tree planting session at LWF’s compound.

In the serene setting of Manguo Wetland in Nyahururu, we proudly united with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the Laikipia County Government, and esteemed stakeholders to commemorate this year’s World Wetlands Day, with the theme  ‘Wetlands and Human Wellbeing.’

From town clean-ups in the Manguo area to engaging tree-planting initiatives and enlightening community sensitization campaigns, the day brimmed with activities designed to elevate awareness and deepen appreciation for the critical role wetlands play in our collective existence.

In a world where nearly 90% of wetlands have succumbed to degradation since the 1700s, the urgency to protect and restore these vital ecosystems cannot be overstated. This year’s theme strikes a chord as we navigate the intricate interplay between wetlands and human wellbeing. From providing essential habitats for diverse biodiversity to serving as critical carbon sinks, wetlands serve as indispensable pillars for sustaining life and fortifying resilience against the ravages of climate change.

The event witnessed a distinguished gathering of stakeholders, including representatives from government agencies, conservation organizations, and local communities. Their collective presence underscored a shared commitment to amplifying awareness about the critical importance of conserving wetlands, encompassing swamps, marshes, and riparian lands, which are not only pivotal for human wellbeing but also indispensable for the thriving of wildlife and aquatic species.

The local community and stakeholders actively engage in a clean-up initiative during the World Wetlands Day Celebration in Nyahururu

Addressing the assembled audience, Mr. Samuel Abraham Lemanyishoe, Chief Officer of Water, Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change for Laikipia County, reaffirmed the unwavering dedication of the County Government to conserving and restoring Manguo Wetland and other wetlands across the County.

Emphasizing strategic measures such as the meticulous planting and nurturing of bamboo trees, he called for a collective responsibility in conservation efforts.

As the Assistant County Commissioner and esteemed Chief guest for the occasion, Mr. Joseph Wanyonyi underscored the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to safeguarding wetlands, addressing pressing issues such as pollution and encroachment, which pose formidable threats to effective conservation endeavours.

Let us wholeheartedly acknowledge that the health and vitality of our wetlands directly influence the quality of life for communities.

By synergizing our efforts and embarking upon decisive action, we can ensure the enduring preservation of these invaluable ecosystems for the benefit of present and future generations.

During her presentation, Darcy shed light on the efforts aimed at preventing extinction, protecting habitats, engaging communities, and addressing threats to raptors. She elaborated on the pivotal roles played by raptors, including top predatory eagles and vultures, in maintaining healthy ecosystems and providing various benefits to the environment, human health, and economies.

Moreover, Darcy highlighted the significant threats faced by these birds, such as habitat loss, poisoning, electrocution on power lines, collisions at wind farms, and persecution. Clarifying the term “persecution,” she addressed the team’s inquiry and provided insights that many readers would find valuable. Persecution refers to deliberate acts of harm or killing directed towards raptors, particularly in response to perceived threats posed by these birds to human activities or interests. This can include intentional poisoning, trapping, or other forms of direct harm inflicted upon raptors by humans, often due to misconceptions, fear, or conflicts over resources such as livestock. Persecution poses a significant threat to raptor populations and can have detrimental impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity.

Darcy expressed concern over the detrimental consequences of retaliatory mass-poisoning events by livestock owners. In such instances, vultures and eagles often fall victim instead of the predators attacking livestock. This phenomenon has led to a decline in vulture populations, posing a severe threat to savanna ecosystems. If not mitigated, it could ultimately result in species extinction, ecosystem collapse, and increased risks to human well-being.

Furthermore, Darcy shared insights into the various vulture species found in Kenya, which include White-backed, White-headed, Rüppell’s, Lappet-faced, Hooded, Egyptian, Bearded (Lammergeier), and Palm-nut vultures.

The visit concluded with discussions between both parties exploring areas of synergy, particularly concerning LWF’s thematic areas of wildlife, restoration, and land-use management.

The Foundation has four primary objectives. These include raising awareness of nature through a creative community outreach program and collaborating with Africa’s finest professional artists to introduce art to children and schools. Additionally, the Foundation aims to document the history of African artists and their practices, as well as engaging visitors in discussions about the natural world through a permanent Collection of Art, serving as an educational and research tool.

Young participants immerse themselves in community artwork

The Foundation collaborates with East Africa’s finest professional artists to educate the next generation through weekly art classes during their month-long residency hosted by the Foundation and by utilizing the Art Collection.

Founded by Camille Wekesa, the Foundation owns and continues to acquire art with themes of nature, wildlife heritage, and iconic African world heritage landscapes, thus shaping the direction of the Collection and instilling a passion for the natural world in all who visit it, encouraging them to see themselves as participants in safeguarding and nurturing the natural world.

The Foundation aims to raise awareness of the unexplored value of African artwork, the importance of capturing the natural world through the medium of art, and the development and exposure of young artistic talent. Its programs aim to foster a greater appreciation of Africa’s diverse landscapes, forests, mountains, wildlife, and African culture for generations to come, and it strives to be a leader in bringing art and culture to rural communities while assisting African artists in becoming champions of the preservation and conservation of Africa’s iconic and diverse landscapes and wildlife.

In line with our commitment to community engagement and capacity building, LWF staff have undergone rigorous training in various participatory methods, including citizen’s assemblies, participatory policy making, legislative theatres, and participatory budgeting. These methodologies will enable us to effectively involve community members in decision-making processes and ensure their voices are central to the project’s activities.

The project is scheduled to run for one year, from April 2024 to April 2025, encompassing a range of activities aimed at enhancing the capacity of target groups in Laikipia County. Drawing from our detailed work plans, we are excited to highlight some key activities that will be undertaken:

Awareness Workshops: We will conduct workshops to raise awareness among Ward Development Committees (WDCs) and community members about climate change and its impacts on the local environment, livelihoods, and public health. These workshops will emphasize the importance of local climate action and the role of WDCs in shaping climate policies.

Comprehensive Training: Representatives from all 15 wards in Laikipia County will receive comprehensive training on climate policy development. This will include identifying climate challenges, conducting vulnerability assessments, and formulating adaptation and mitigation strategies. Additionally, training will cover project management, monitoring and evaluation, and fundraising techniques to support the implementation of climate initiatives.

Participatory Planning Sessions: LWF will facilitate participatory planning sessions in three wards, Ngobit, Nanyuki and Mukogodo East, encouraging inclusive discussions on climate challenges and identifying priority areas for action. WDCs from these wards, alongside community leaders and representatives from local organizations, will collaboratively develop Ward Development Plans, crucial for leveraging funds from the County Government through the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCa) program.

Advocacy for Policy Adoption: We will work with WDCs to advocate for the adoption and implementation of climate-resilient policies at the county level, particularly the rainwater harvesting policy. This will involve organizing stakeholder meetings, policy dialogues, and public awareness campaigns to generate support for the proposed policy. Additionally, we will engage a consultant to support the WDCs in generating a Policy Brief with recommendations for presentation in the County Assembly.

The main outcome of this project will be if the County Government of Laikipia adopts the rainwater harvesting policy for Laikipia County. This policy will play a pivotal role in mitigating the effects of climate change and promoting sustainable water management practices, ultimately benefiting local communities and ecosystems.

By employing citizen’s assemblies and partnering closely with duty bearers from the County Government of Laikipia, government agencies and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Laikipia, we aim to enhance climate awareness and lobby for the implementation of climate-resilient policies and practices. Together, we can build a more resilient future for Laikipia County, ensuring the well-being of both present and future generations.

We are excited to embark on this journey and extend our heartfelt gratitude to People Powered for their support in making this project a reality. Stay tuned for updates as we work towards a more sustainable and climate-resilient Laikipia County!

Passionate conservationists shared insights on digital tools’ role in addressing conservation challenges, highlighting the importance of harmonious human-wildlife coexistence, inspiring attendees.

LWF’s Program officer, Peter Mathenge, addresses stakeholders during the World Wildlife Day celebrations held at Kanu Grounds, Nanyuki.

The event spurred collaboration and action for natural heritage protection, featuring exhibitions, performances, and a call for collective efforts to conserve biodiversity.

Week-long activities, including tree planting and river clean-up campaigns, demonstrated the community’s and other stakeholders’ dedication to conservation, complemented by wildlife protection-sensitization on local radio stations and educational visits to National Parks and conservancies.

As participants echoed a commitment to wildlife and habitat protection, LWF encourages all to join in conservation efforts, particularly for threatened species, fostering collaboration and commitment for a brighter future.

Photo Credits:- Ann Ngunjiri