US Announces $6.5 Million Grant for Maasai Mara Conservation

Aitong, Mara Ward, Narok West Constituency – The United States, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has announced a significant financial commitment of USD 6.5 million (approximately Sh1 billion) to support conservation efforts in the Maasai Mara National Game Reserve.

According to Kenya News Agency, During the 10th Anniversary celebration of the Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association (MMWCA), American Ambassador to Kenya, Margaret ‘Meg’ Whitman, revealed the grant. Whitman expressed optimism about the expansion of conservancies, anticipating an increase to 29 or more, with local communities directly involved and empowered. She acknowledged the MMWCA’s efforts in wildlife conservation and noted that 80 percent of the wildlife in the area resides within these conservancies, benefiting local communities.

Dr. Alfred Mutua, the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, expressed gratitude for the US grant, announcing the Kenyan government’s contribution of Sh600 million for water and road infrastructure in the conservancies. He also pledged government collaboration in staff training for the sector. Addressing the issue of human-wildlife conflict, Dr. Mutua announced an additional Sh300 million from the government for nationwide fencing and awareness campaigns. Further, he declared a compensation fund of Sh908 million, with an additional Sh1.5 billion prepared for payment to communities affected by wildlife-related injuries or fatalities.

Swedish Ambassador Caroline Vicini, also the Head of Mission Permanent Representative to UNEP and UN-HABITAT, congratulated the communities and mentioned Sweden’s support for the development of animal conservatories. Norwegian Ambassador to Kenya, Gunar Adreas Holm, emphasized Norway’s ongoing commitment to empowering women and youth in the Maasai Mara game reserve.

Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu defended the county government’s decision to raise park fees in the Mara, explaining that it aims to enhance service delivery. He urged the National Government to increase compensation fees and revealed plans to sensitize herders on maintaining fewer animals to allow more space for wildlife. Ntutu also mentioned an upcoming exchange program with Botswana for local learning and benchmarking.

Daniel Sophia, the Chief Executive Officer of MMWCA, thanked the partners and local committees for their role in improving services over the past decade and expressed confidence in the future of conservation efforts in the region.