As Ol Pejeta Conservancy marks its 20th anniversary, Kenyans and conservationists worldwide join in celebrating a legacy of environmental stewardship, community empowerment, and innovative conservation that has transformed Laikipia and beyond. Over the past two decades, Ol Pejeta has grown into a beacon of hope for endangered species and a model for sustainable development, making significant strides in wildlife conservation, education, healthcare, and employment for local communities.
Year-Long Celebrations
The celebration began on September 27, 2024, with an event honouring the dedicated staff who have driven Ol Pejeta’s mission forward. The festivities, which will extend until November 2025, include a series of engagements with tourism stakeholders, donors, local communities, and international partners. These events will showcase Ol Pejeta’s achievements over the past two decades and share the vision for the next 20 years, focusing on conservation and community impact.
A Legacy of Conservation Excellence
Ol Pejeta Conservancy has achieved a unique distinction as Africa’s Leading Conservation Company for four consecutive years by the World Travel Awards. This recognition reflects the conservancy’s unwavering dedication to protecting endangered species and fostering a sustainable coexistence between wildlife and local communities.
As the largest sanctuary for black rhinos in East Africa, Ol Pejeta is home to over 150 black rhinos, a significant increase from just 30 individuals two decades ago. The conservancy also hosts the world’s last two northern white rhinos, Najin and Fatu, whose survival symbolizes the urgent need for conservation and the global significance of Ol Pejeta’s work.
Through close collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Wildlife Research and Training Institute, Ol Pejeta has become a leader in habitat management, pioneering conservation grazing techniques that restore grasslands and support biodiversity. This innovative approach not only sustains the environment but has been recognized as a global model for conservation, demonstrating that wildlife protection and agriculture can coexist harmoniously.
Empowering Communities and Creating High-Value Jobs
Ol Pejeta’s impact extends well beyond conservation. The conservancy directly employs over 1,000 people in roles ranging from conservation management to community engagement, offering high-value job opportunities that set a new standard in Kenya’s conservation sector. Additionally, tourism partners within the conservancy create even more employment for Kenyans, supporting the local economy and fostering specialized careers in wildlife medicine and environmental science.
Community engagement remains a cornerstone of Ol Pejeta’s mission. The conservancy has awarded over 1,000 scholarships, including 850 full secondary scholarships, and currently supports 311 students through its education programs. The African Ruggedized Education Solution (ARES) initiative, which has reached over 7,000 students and 284 teachers across 41 institutions, provides digital education tools, fostering a brighter future for the youth of Laikipia.
In support of local farmers, Ol Pejeta has vaccinated 30,200 cattle and 58,500 sheep and goats in the last two years, benefiting 2,307 farmers in partnership with the County Government of Laikipia. The conservancy also offers training in livestock production and management, reaching over 1,200 farmers in the past two years. By purchasing local produce, including over 113 cattle from community farmers, Ol Pejeta strengthens food security and local economies.
Pioneering Sustainable Tourism
Tourism is integral to Ol Pejeta’s conservation model, generating revenue that is reinvested into conservation and community programs. Last year, the conservancy welcomed 117,000 visitors, with 60% being Kenyans, demonstrating the importance of domestic tourism in supporting conservation efforts. Visitors to Ol Pejeta experience a unique ecotourism destination with wildlife safaris, guided tours, and educational programs that raise awareness about conservation and the need to protect Kenya’s natural heritage.
Ol Pejeta’s focus on sustainable practices includes utilizing renewable energy sources, promoting responsible tourism, and encouraging waste reduction. These efforts highlight the conservancy’s commitment to environmental sustainability, ensuring that its conservation impact endures for future generations.
Looking Forward: A Vision for the Next 20 Years
As Ol Pejeta reflects on two decades of transformative impact, its vision for the future is clear: to continue leading in conservation, deepen community partnerships, and expand sustainable development efforts. “We are proud to celebrate 20 years of meaningful impact in conservation and are eager to share our journey and future plans with our valued partners and supporters,” said CEO Justin Heath. “Our celebrations will ensure that no one is left behind as we chart the future of conservation in Kenya and globally.”
As Ol Pejeta embarks on this year-long celebration, the conservancy invites you to join us in recognizing the importance of conservation and the role each of us can play in protecting our environment. Ol Pejeta’s journey is a testament to the power of partnership, innovation, and commitment to a shared vision of a sustainable future where wildlife and human communities thrive side by side.