LAUNCH OF KIKESEN RIVER CONSERVANCY SCHOOL BURSARY FUND: A MILESTONE FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION.

Kikesen River Conservancy successfully launched a school bursary program in a ceremony that brought together a wide range of leaders and key stakeholders in conservation and community development. The event was attended by senior representatives from the County Government (including the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water Environment Climate Change and Natural Resources - Judy Pere, CECM for Tourism & Wildlife – Jeremiah Ole Ncharo and CECM for Education - Janet Sereu), representatives from World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Kenya Wildlife Services Warden (Mr. Francis Mbaka), representative from the Office of the Member of Parliament for Kajiado Central, Equity Bank representative, among others.

The ceremony marked a significant milestone in strengthening collaboration among conservation stakeholders. Soils for the Future Africa (SFTFA) took the lead in the event by launching a bursary fund worth approximately KES 1 million, targeting both primary and secondary school students from the community. This initiative aims to support access to education and uplift livelihoods within the conservancy.

In addition, the conservancy used the opportunity to officially commission a borehole that had been upgraded through solarization through the support of the WWF. The solar-powered borehole is expected to improve access to clean and reliable water for the community, livestock, and wildlife, further enhancing resilience in the area.

Both County and National government officials commended Soils for the Future Africa for its outstanding work across various conservancies. They acknowledged that SFTFA has been a strong and reliable partner to the government, providing critical support in conservation, community empowerment, and sustainable land management since the start of their collaboration.

Through the Rapid Rotation Grazing (RRG) approach introduced by Soils for the Future Africa, communities have experienced remarkable positive change. Livestock owners reported that there has been minimal migration in search of pasture, as the RRG Management Plan has enabled them to conserve sufficient grass for their animals throughout the seasons. This has not only improved livestock productivity but also strengthened community stability.

The initiative has contributed significantly to improved livelihoods, enhanced financial status for households, and sustainable natural resource management. The Kikesen River Conservancy bursary launch ceremony clearly demonstrated the power of partnership in driving conservation, education, and socio-economic development for the benefit of the community.