Strathmore Natural Capital Hub Collaborates on National Policy Revision for Ecosystem-Based Conservation

The Strathmore Natural Capital Hub (SHNC) has embarked on a significant Government of Kenya (GoK) project, spearheaded by the Chief of Staff of HOPS, to revise national policies across 15 Ministries. This effort aims to align these policies with an integrated approach to managing priority ecosystems, serving as the foundation for sustainable natural resource management.

To initiate this ambitious project, an inception meeting was held at Strathmore Business School (SBS), bringing together key stakeholders, including the Government of Kenya, The Nature Conservancy, and SHNC. The meeting was led by Silvia Museiya, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Wildlife, underscoring the high-level commitment to this initiative.

The Strathmore University (SU) team, comprising 12 academic researchers, 4 Senior Advisors, a Technical Team of 6, and post-graduate researchers from Strathmore’s Public Policy and Management program, is tasked with delivering a groundbreaking Integrated Ecosystem-Based Natural Resource Conservation Policy (IENRCP). This policy will focus on critical, identified biodiversity ecosystems that harbor most of the Kenya’s wildlife and essential natural resources.

The project represents a paradigm shift towards ecosystem-based conservation, placing local communities—who occupy over 65% of the areas with Kenya’s richest biodiversity—at the heart of natural resource management. The IENRCP will emphasize the vital role of community lands in conservation efforts, alongside state and private entities, to promote sustainable development for all.

This integrated approach reflects a commitment to safeguarding Kenya’s ecosystems while ensuring that natural resource use is sustainable and benefits both local communities and the broader national interest. The collaboration between SHNC, the GoK, and key partners marks a crucial step forward in Kenya’s conservation efforts.

The Strathmore Natural Capital Hub (SNCH) is a pioneering transdisciplinary synthesis center dedicated to advancing knowledge and experiential learning in natural capital. In an era where global challenges demand extraordinary leadership, SNCH is at the forefront, guiding governments, businesses, and citizens to recognize and integrate the essential value of our planet’s natural capital in their decision-making processes.  By fostering a deep understanding of these critical areas, SNCH aims to drive sustainable practices that ensure the preservation and enhancement of natural resources for future generations. We believe that by embedding the principles of natural capital into all sectors of society, we can create a more resilient and sustainable world. Learn more about the Strathmore Natural Capital Hub here

Article by Evelyn Njau