The Government of Kenya and The Nature Conservancy Unveil US$160m Thamani Asili Community Conservation Initiative

A national conservation initiative to improve livelihoods, strengthen community leadership and benefit millions of Kenyans.

TAITA TAVETA, KE / October 21, 2026 / The Government of Kenya, in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Enduring Earth, today unveiled the Thamani Asili Project Finance for Permanence (PFP), a US$160 million landmark national initiative designed to secure long-term financing for conservation needed to conserve Kenya's natural heritage while supporting community livelihoods, water security, climate resilience, sustainable economic growth and the world-renowned wildlife tourism sector.

Launched by Hon. Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Thamani Asili signals a new chapter in how Kenya finances conservation, shifting from short-term project funding to a long-term investment in the country's people, wildlife and natural resources. The initiative is expected to directly benefit around 1.6 million people, while a further 3.9 million people could benefit from stronger land governance, effective natural resource management and expanded economic opportunities linked to nature.

Central to the ethos of Thamani Asili (''value of nature" in Kiswahili) is placing communities at the heart of collaborative environmental and development efforts, recognising that long-term conservation success depends upon the wellbeing and leadership of local people.

Opportunities enabled by Thamani Asili will include ecological tourism, sustainable grazing, carbon programs and other nature-based businesses that support household incomes. Within the landscapes supported by the initiative, these investments are expected to create around 7,800 direct jobs plus a further 15,000 indirect jobs, benefiting up to 80,000 people through new livelihoods and business opportunities.

At its core, Thamani Asili supports conservation led by communities. It strengthens local governance, supports land-use planning and ensures that people living alongside wildlife can benefit directly while managing natural resources sustainably. It also supports practical measures to reduce human wildlife conflict, including improved livestock protection and land management approaches.

Building on TNC's past experience of supporting multiple other PFP projects with national governments including those of Gabon and Mongolia, the initiative recognises the extent to which Kenya's economy depends on nature. By investing in conservation, the country is also supporting jobs, economic growth and long-term resilience for crucial sectors including agriculture, tourism and water.