Oldonyiro Community Conservancy is situated on the western edge of Isiolo County, Kenya, bordering Samburu and Laikipia counties. It covers the entire Oldonyiro Ward and is divided into four units: Oldonyiro Narupa, Oldonyiro Nanapicho, Oldonyiro Naapu, and Oldonyiro Nannapa.
Key aspects of the Oldonyiro Community Conservancy:
- Location: Western Isiolo County, bordering Samburu and Laikipia counties. It is surrounded by several other community conservancies, except on its western side, and is flanked by the Ewaso Nyiro River.
- Size: The conservancy covers a large area of 111 square kilometers.
- Establishment: Established in 2007.
- Governance: It is a community-led initiative.
- Conservation Focus: The primary goals are to:
- Foster conservation.
- Develop tourism.
- Improve security for both people and wildlife.
- Mitigate human-wildlife conflict.
- Promote the coexistence of local people and wildlife.
- Improve land management.
- Wildlife: The conservancy is home to diverse wildlife, although specific species are not consistently detailed across sources. However, being part of the greater Isiolo and Laikipia ecosystem, it likely hosts species such as elephants, various plains game, and predators.
- Community Impact: The establishment of the conservancy has led to:
- Employment opportunities for hundreds of locals as rangers.
- Improved livelihoods for the community.
- Reduced poaching activities.
- Enhanced security for both residents and wildlife.
- Support for community projects.
- Tourism: While still developing, the conservancy has potential for ecotourism. In 2019, one of its units, Nannapa, hosted the Rhino Charge, which helped raise its profile.
- Challenges: The conservancy has faced challenges in the past, including insecurity, poaching, and rangeland degradation.
The Oldonyiro Community Conservancy represents a significant effort to bring conservation and development to the western part of Isiolo County, aiming to create a sustainable future for both its people and its wildlife.
