By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, June 24, 2026 - The Turkana County Government, in collaboration with the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), has commenced a public participation exercise to collect residents' views on a proposal to establish a conservancy in the county.
The consultation forum brought together local residents, community leaders, county officials, and NRT representatives to discuss the proposed conservancy, its objectives, and its potential implications for livelihoods and environmental conservation.
Speaking during the meeting, Deputy Director for Natural Resources Pauline Ng'oli said the initiative is aligned with the county's development priorities as outlined in the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP). She noted that the public participation process is aimed at creating awareness, enhancing understanding of conservancy development, and ensuring communities play a central role in decision-making.
Ng'oli said the proposed conservancy seeks to balance environmental conservation with community development by promoting sustainable natural resource management and livelihood improvement programmes.
NRT Chief Partnerships and Growth Officer Tom Lalampaa said the organisation supports community-driven conservation efforts across northern Kenya, focusing on areas such as wildlife conservation, climate resilience, peacebuilding, renewable energy, and livelihood diversification.
According to Lalampaa, conservancies can create economic opportunities through tourism, environmental restoration projects, and improved water infrastructure, while also supporting community development initiatives.
However, some residents from Nalapatui voiced concerns over the proposal, citing fears of increased human-wildlife conflict and the possible loss of community land under the conservancy model.
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Youth representatives and community members called for greater transparency and sustained public engagement, saying residents need adequate information about the proposal before any decisions are made.
Sub-County Administrator Christine Nalemsekon assured participants that all views gathered during the consultations would be taken into account. She emphasized that no final decision would be made without meaningful public participation and the consent of the affected communities.
The engagement exercise is part of broader efforts by the county government and its partners to promote sustainable management of natural resources while ensuring conservation goals are balanced with community interests.
Among those who attended the forum were Letea Ward MCA Francis Ng'imusia, Kalobeyei Ward MCA Julius Edung Apuron, elders, opinion leaders, members of the pastoralist community, and NRT Project Lead Khadija Hussein.