LCA Engages Princeton SPIA Students on Kenya’s Conservation Policy Landscape

LCA recently engaged with Master’s in Public Affairs students from the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) during a Public Policy Workshop held at Mpala Research Centre.

The lecture titled “Perspectives on Current Policy Priorities and Challenges in Kenya’s Conservation Landscape,” provided an in-depth exploration of Kenya’s conservation journey from the colonial-era wildlife protection policies to the modern-day community-driven conservation model that places people at the heart of sustainable development.

The session brought together 10 postgraduate students pursuing studies in public policy, environmental governance, and sustainable development, offering a unique opportunity to understand the complexities, progress, and policy innovations shaping Kenya’s conservation agenda.

Key Themes Discussed

1. Policy, People, and Conservation: The lecture traced Kenya’s conservation evolution, explaining how early protectionist policies often excluded local communities and how modern frameworks have shifted toward inclusivity and benefit-sharing.

2. The Era of KWS and Community-Led Conservation:The discussion reflected on the pivotal role of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) in transitioning conservation from enforcement to partnership paving the way for community conservancies as credible governance and livelihood institutions.

3. Legal and Policy Frameworks:The students explored the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act (2013), Community Land Act (2016), and the ongoing Laikipia County Wildlife Conservation and Management Bill 2025, underscoring how legislation continues to shape equitable and sustainable conservation outcomes.

4. From Policy to Practice: LCA emphasized the importance of implementation, coordination, and accountability, highlighting how local conservancies are translating national policies into action through rangeland restoration, coexistence programs, and livelihood initiatives.

5. Kenya’s Conservation Strategy 2030:The lecture connected Kenya’s conservation priorities to the Vision 2030 framework and global biodiversity and climate goals, encouraging a holistic approach that links people, policy, and the planet.

“Kenya’s conservation future depends on the strength of its policies and the inclusion of its people. Communities are not just beneficiaries they are co-authors of conservation success.”Peter Lemerian Matunge, CEO, Laikipia Conservancies Association

A Living Classroom for Global Conservation Learning

The engagement underscored Laikipia’s growing reputation as a global hub for conservation learning and innovation, where researchers, policymakers, and communities collaborate to develop solutions that balance wildlife protection, climate resilience, and local development.

Students also had the opportunity to visit ongoing conservation projects across the Laikipia landscape, gaining firsthand insights into how science, policy, and traditional knowledge converge in Kenya’s conservancy model.

The session concluded with a reflection on the importance of international academic partnerships in advancing conservation research and policy exchange, reinforcing the shared responsibility between local communities and global institutions in addressing the planet’s environmental challenges.