Kenya, The Nature Conservancy Ink $160M ‘Thamani Asili’ Deal

Kenya has partnered with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Enduring Earth in the Thamani Asili Project Finance for Permanence (PFP), a $160 million initiative that is expected to help secure long-term funding for the country’s natural heritage.

Thamani Asili, which loosely means ‘‘value of nature” in Kiswahili language, 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.

Backers of the partnership will also support community livelihoods, water security, climate resilience, sustainable economic growth, and world-renowned wildlife tourism.

Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Tourism and Wildlife, says conserving nature creates opportunities, strengthens livelihoods and honours the cultures and heritage of the people who live alongside wildlife.

“Through Thamani Asili, we are strengthening the partnership between Government, conservation institutions and communities to ensure that the value of our natural heritage translates into lasting benefits for our people,” Miano said.

The CS noted that main focus is to “protect our wildlife, empower communities and build a future where both people and nature thrive together.”

Ruth Masha, Country Director for Kenya at The Nature Conservancy pushes the needle further, saying that when communities lead, conservation can deliver lasting results.

“Thamani Asili strengthens community rights, voices and decision-making over land and resources, so people can conserve the places they depend on while also improving livelihoods, creating jobs and building stronger, more resilient local economies for the future,” explains Ms. Masha.

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.

According to Director General of the Kenya Wildlife Service, Prof. Erustus Kanga conservation is not just about protecting wildlife, but is all of protecting a way of life, honouring the cultures and heritage of communities, and securing a future where people and wildlife thrive together.

“When elephants and livestock drink from the same water points, we are reminded that we share one landscape and one responsibility. Our communities are not separate from conservation; they are its heart. Together, we must ensure that the people who live alongside wildlife are not only its custodians but also beneficiaries of its value. Because when communities thrive, wildlife thrives, and our natural heritage lives on for generations to come,” Prof. Kanga says.

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.

Initial efforts will focus on four priority landscapes across the country: Tsavo to Coastal, Greater Ewaso, Greater Rift to Western, and Southern Kenya. These areas are critical for biodiversity, water security and livelihoods, and are central to Kenya’s conservation and development goals.