Songa Community Conservancy is located in Marsabit County, Kenya, on the southern slopes of Mount Marsabit. It lies to the west of Marsabit National Park and is bordered by the Jaldesa Conservancy to the northeast and the Shurr Conservancy to the southeast.
Location and Size:
- County: Marsabit County, Kenya.
- Region: Southern slopes of Mount Marsabit.
- Borders: West of Marsabit National Park, northeast of Jaldesa Conservancy, southeast of Shurr Conservancy.
- Area: The reported area is 1038.68 km².
Wildlife:
Songa Conservancy acts as a vital wildlife corridor and dispersal area, particularly for elephants and buffalo during the rainy seasons, due to its location bordering other conservancies and the national park. The conservancy is home to a variety of other wildlife, including:
- Zebras
- Ostriches
- Reedbuck antelopes
- Greater Kudu
- Sitatunga
- Various other antelope species
- Waterbucks
- Hippopotamus
- Warthogs
- Crocodiles
- Pythons
- Flamingoes
- Wild pigs
- Over 300 species of birds
Conservation Focus:
The primary conservation goals of the Songa Community Conservancy include:
- Developing a resilient community that peacefully coexists with wildlife.
- Ensuring the community significantly benefits from conservation efforts.
- Protecting and managing natural resources sustainably.
Community and Livelihoods:
The Songa Conservancy aims to improve the livelihoods of the local communities through various initiatives:
- Water Resources: Managing natural springs, dams, boreholes, hand pumps, pans, and shallow wells.
- Agriculture: Supporting farming activities, including vegetable and fruit cultivation, with some using greenhouses.
- Economic Empowerment: Supporting small-scale businesses and agroforestry through informal women’s and youth groups.
- Education: Providing nursery and primary schools in various locations within the conservancy, as well as secondary schools.
- Health: Providing access to health clinics, traditional birth attendants, traditional medicine men, and community health workers.
Infrastructure:
- Roads: Primarily murram/earth roads, which can be impassable during the rainy seasons.
- Airstrip: One airstrip located in the Nkisero area within the conservancy.
- Shopping Centers: Five small shopping centers located in Kamboe, Karare, Parkishon, Hula Hula, and Songa.
The Songa Community Conservancy plays a crucial role in connecting different protected areas and supporting both wildlife and the local communities in the Marsabit region.
