GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 12858

IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by section 44(3) of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife hereby publishes the Plan set out in the Schedule hereto— SCHEDULE The Mbokishi Mara Conservation Area Management Plan, 2025– 2035 (hereinafter referred to as “the Plan”) outlines the goals, objectives, and actions that the Mbokishi Mara Conservation Area (hereinafter referred to as “the Conservancy”) has designed to address ecological management, livestock management, improved access to water, culture preservation and livelihoods, health and education, tourism development, carbon credit initiatives, partnerships and collaboration, monitoring and evaluation, communication and public engagement, capacity building and security management. The Conservancy’s vision, zonation scheme, management programmes and plan implementation strategy are presented in the following sections. 1. VISION The vision of Mbokishi Mara Conservation Area is: To safeguard biodiversity through effective conservation and sustainable livelihoods. 2. LAND USES AND ZONES The plan sets out a zonation scheme to guide land use within the Conservancy. The zonation scheme categorizes land use activities into two distinct zones: Limited Use Zone and Free Use/Development Zone. 3. MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES The Plan comprises twelve (12) management programmes that address the key issues affecting the Conservancy. These programmes are summarised in the following sections. 3.1 Ecological Management Programme The Ecological Management Programme aims to contribute to the long-term health of the ecosystem, fostering biodiversity conservation and enhancing the resilience of wildlife populations in the face of climate change and human encroachment. To achieve this aim, key management activities have been developed, whose focus are: conducting comprehensive surveys and assessments of the Conservancy’s habitats; implementing targeted habitat restoration to reduce the spread of invasive species; developing sustainable land management practices and erosion control; integrating climate change resilience strategies into conservation practices; and maintaining and expanding the existing wildlife migratory corridors. 3.2 Livestock Management Programme The overall goal of the Livestock Management Programme is to enhance the resilience of pastoral communities while protecting the natural environment. The programme seeks to achieve this by developing and implementing strategies to mitigate conflicts between livestock and wildlife; engaging the communities in livestock management that adopts sustainable practices; providing support for alternative livelihoods to reduce dependence on livestock; and improving livestock health and welfare through regular disease surveillance and veterinary services. 3.3 Water Access Improvement Programme The Water Access Improvement Programme endeavours to address the needs of both the local community and wildlife while promoting ecological sustainability. This will be achieved through the implementation of management activities focused on creating strategies for strategic water development; improving access to clean water sources to prevent waterborne diseases; promoting rainwater harvesting among the local community; and collaborating with local communities to implement sustainable water use practices. 3.4 Culture Preservation and Livelihoods Programme The primary goal of the Culture Preservation and Livelihoods Programme is to ensure that the local communities thrive economically, socially and culturally while safeguarding the natural resources that support their livelihoods. The programme’s key management activities focus on investing in cultural tourism programs to showcase the Conservancy’s rich heritage; collaborating with partners to support culture promotion; and engaging youth in cultural activities through educational programs and internships. 3.5 Health and Education Programme The purpose of the Health and Education Programme is to enhance the well-being of local communities while supporting conservation efforts. The programme’s activities focus on improving access to affordable quality healthcare services; collaborating with educational institutions to offer conservation courses and internships; and actively engaging the communities in decision- making related to education and healthcare. 3.6 Tourism Development and Management Programme The Tourism Development and Management Programme aims to leverage on eco-tourism as a sustainable source of revenue while supporting biodiversity conservation. The programme’s key activities focus on creating marketing campaigns to promote the Conservancy as a tourism destination; reinvesting tourism revenue into community development; implementing sustainable tourism 6186 6186 practices that promote low-impact activities; and developing community-based tourism initiatives and ensuring equitable tourism benefits. 3.7 Carbon Credit Programme The goal of the Carbon Credit Programme is to contribute to global climate goals, promote sustainable land use, and further incentivize the protection of its rich ecosystems for both present and future generations. The programme aims to achieve this goal through the implementation of a set of activities that focus on: initiating programmes towards obtaining carbon credits certification; enhancing carbon sequestration by restoring degraded areas within the Conservancy; and raising awareness about carbon credit among the local communities. 3.8 Security Management Programme The purpose of the Security Management Programme is to ensure the safety of both wildlife and local communities while safeguarding the natural resources. The programme’s key activities focus on: engaging local communities as partners through community-led anti-poaching efforts; establishing intelligence- gathering networks to monitor and respond to poaching threats; and providing training programs for rangers on effective patrol techniques. 3.9 Partnership and Collaboration Programme The Partnership and Collaboration Programme aims to create a robust, inclusive and resilient management framework that maximizes the area’s ecological, economic and social benefits. The programme’s activities focus on: collaborating with other conservancies and stakeholders for joint conservation efforts; developing conflict resolution mechanisms to address conflicts among stakeholders; engaging with the public and private sector for sustainable tourism initiatives; and fostering partnerships with academic institutions to support applied wildlife research. 3.10 Monitoring and Evaluation Programme The purpose of the Monitoring and Evaluation Programme is to promote accountability, transparency and continuous improvement ensuring long-term sustainability of biodiversity. The programme seeks to achieve this purpose through the implementation of a series of activities that prioritize conducting regular wildlife surveys to monitor progress towards conservation goals; engaging local communities in participatory monitoring programs; and establishing robust data management systems on wildlife. 3.11 Communication and Public Engagement Programme The overall goal of the Communication and Public Engagement Programme is to foster strong relationships between conservation authorities, local communities and stakeholders. The programme aims to achieve this goal through the implementation of a set of activities that focus on: conducting awareness campaigns on conservation and responsible tourism; establishing partnerships with media outlets to create awareness about the Conservancy; strengthening the Conservancy’s digital and social media presence; and organizing community meetings and events to foster dialogue and participation. 3.12 Capacity Building Programme The Capacity Building Programme endeavours to empower local communities and stakeholders with the knowledge, skills and resources necessary to effectively manage and protect biodiversity. The programme’s key activities focus on collaborating with educational institutions to offer conservation-focused courses; establishing mentorship programs to facilitate knowledge transfer; and strengthening monitoring and evaluation capacity through training. 4. PLAN IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING, AND EVALUATION Monitoring and Evaluation will serve as a critical tool for the Conservancy management to track progress and assess the effectiveness of the Plan’s goals. A performance matrix will be used to measure the success of conservation efforts, complemented by periodic reviews to adapt and improve conservation strategies. The Plan is deposited at the offices of the Director General, Kenya Wildlife Service, along Langata Road, and the Manager, Mbokishi Mara Conservation Area, whose addresses are provided below: The Director General, Kenya Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 40241–00100, Nairobi, Tel: (254) 020 6000800/6002345 E-mail: kws@kws.go.ke The Manager, Mbokishi Mara Conservation Area, P.O. Box 984–20500, Narok. Tel: +254 729 217 846 E-mail: mbokishi.mara@gmail.com Dated the 14th August, 2025. REBECCA MIANO, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife.