Conservation International Kenya (CI Kenya) is the Kenya country programme of Conservation International. The programme, based in Nairobi, focuses on environmental conservation and climate-mitigation activities across Kenya. With projects spanning nearly 4.9 million hectares, CI Kenya is involved in forest and rangeland conservation, ecotourism, and climate actions like REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation).
History of CI Kenya
Founded in 2014, Conservation International Kenya (CI Kenya) has made significant strides in environmental conservation and climate resilience. Initially focused on supporting REDD+ policy discussions, CI Kenya has worked with local stakeholders and government agencies on various environmental issues. In 2017, CI Kenya partnered with the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust to launch the Chyulu Hills Carbon Project, marking a major step toward forest carbon projects in the region. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization also established the Maasai Mara Rescue Fund, a response to the tourism downturn, aiming to support wildlife conservancies.
Key Conservation Activities in Kenya
CI Kenya focuses on landscape restoration, community-based conservation, and climate resilience through projects that provide long-term solutions for both environmental sustainability and local livelihoods.
Chyulu Hills Carbon Project (REDD+)
Launched in 2017, the Chyulu Hills Carbon Project is a major forest carbon initiative aimed at restoring rangelands and enhancing climate resilience in Makueni County. The project, a collaboration between local Maasai groups, government agencies, and Conservation International, uses carbon credits to fund conservation and community activities. This project has become an example of how carbon finance can support sustainable livelihoods and wildlife protection.
Savanna and Rangeland Restoration
In 2021, Apple partnered with Conservation International to restore degraded savannas in the Chyulu Hills region through the Restore Fund. The initiative, which aims to restore 11,000 hectares of rangeland by 2025, has been pivotal in improving pasture conditions, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and promoting sustainable livestock management.
Maasai Mara Rescue Fund
The Maasai Mara Rescue Fund, established during the COVID-19 pandemic, provided financial support to local wildlife conservancies. With the downturn in tourism significantly impacting conservancy operations, the fund enabled the payment of lease obligations and helped prevent land conversion, ensuring continued protection of the Maasai Mara wildlife ecosystem.
Kenyan Coastal Mangrove and Seagrass Conservation
In 2025, Conservation International signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with several partners to protect and restore mangrove forests and seagrass along the Kenyan coast. The Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA) Kenya chapter was launched in Kilifi, with the goal of increasing mangrove cover by 20% by 2030. This initiative is supported by Germany’s BMZ and WWF-Germany.
Lake Victoria Fisheries Conservation
Conservation International has also contributed to aquatic conservation in Lake Victoria, focusing on the restoration of native tilapia species like Oreochromis esculentus. In partnership with Victory Farms and the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), CI Kenya has initiated fish restocking efforts in Suba South and Rowo Beach as part of broader efforts to protect the ecosystem and support local fishers.
Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations
CI Kenya has fostered multiple strategic partnerships with organizations like WWF, IUCN, and the Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association. These collaborations have enabled the organization to scale its conservation efforts, particularly in the Chyulu Hills, Maasai Mara, and Kenyan coastline.
Notably, in 2024, CI Kenya worked with S&P Global Commodity Insights to establish a national REDD+ registry aimed at tracking the lifecycle of carbon credits in Kenya. This initiative will help enhance the country’s efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.
Impact on Local Communities
CI Kenya’s projects are not just focused on environmental conservation but also on improving local livelihoods. Through initiatives like the Chyulu Hills Carbon Project and Maasai Mara Rescue Fund, CI Kenya has created sustainable avenues for income generation for local communities, while simultaneously addressing critical environmental challenges.
The focus on community-based rangeland restoration has helped pastoral communities improve their livestock management practices, thereby reducing conflict with wildlife and boosting climate resilience.
Conclusion
Conservation International Kenya has played a crucial role in advancing environmental conservation, climate change mitigation, and the protection of Kenya’s rich biodiversity. With projects spanning from carbon offset initiatives to mangrove restoration, CI Kenya continues to lead in sustainable development and climate resilience. Its partnerships with local communities and global corporations like Apple showcase a strong model of collaboration aimed at addressing both climate challenges and economic development.
