Securing Nasaru-Olosho wildlife corridor, for people and wildlife

In the heart of Kenya’s Amboseli-Chyulu sub-landscape, where over 60% of the country’s wildlife coexists with communities, the challenge of human-wildlife conflict has long threatened both people’s livelihoods and conservation efforts. But a transformative shift is taking place. Thanks to financial support from the Michael Otto Foundation for Sustainability, we are proving that conservation and community well-being can go hand in hand—paving the way for a future where people and wildlife thrive together.

Keeping learners safe, 10 schools solar fenced

For years, learners in Amboseli’s schools lived in fear of wildlife, particularly elephants, straying into their school compounds, disrupting learning, and putting their safety at risk. Today, this narrative is changing. With support from the Michael Otto Foundation for Sustainability, WWF-Kenya has installed 9.3 kilometers of solar-powered elephant deterrent fences across 10 schools, protecting about 2,000 learners.

At Eluai Nalepo Primary and Junior Secondary School, where 500 students once faced constant interruptions, the new fence has transformed the learning environment. Headteacher David Mutuku shared his relief: “This fence has finally provided a safe learning environment for our pupils, free from fear. We are excited about this important step towards creating a safe and nurturing atmosphere for our children while promoting coexistence with nature.”

The impact is evident beyond Eluai Nalepo. At Naorr-Enkare Primary School, where 250 learners are now protected by a 1.6km fence, enrollment is rising as parents gain confidence in their children’s safety. Grace Ormoi, a teacher at the school, remarked: “Enrollment is expected to rise now that parents can send their children to school without fearing for their safety. The fencing allows students to play outside without risk of coming face to face with wildlife.”

Other schools benefiting from this initiative include Ilkilunyeti Primary School, Oldonyo Sampu Primary School, Olosinya Primary School, Esarunoto Primary School, Oloikara Primary School, Kunchu Primary School, Noonkoben Primary School and Lewis Secondary School. Each of these schools now provides a safer and more conducive learning environment for students.

Water for All: 7 boreholes renovated & solarised

In Amboseli, where prolonged droughts intensify competition for water, both people and wildlife have suffered. The Water for All initiative, funded by the Michael Otto Foundation for Sustainability, is addressing this issue by installing and solarizing boreholes, ensuring a sustainable water supply for communities, their livestock, and wildlife.

The newly installed borehole at Enyuata-Olparakuo in Nasaru-Olosho Conservancy now provides clean water to 600 households, countless livestock, and students at Enyuata-Olparakuo Primary School. 

According to community leader Oloishuro, “Life has changed in Nasaru-Olosho. Our children are no longer bound by the constraints of water scarcity. They now have the precious gift of time to dedicate to their education.”

At Ilmarba, a rehabilitated borehole now serves over 1,000 people, 1,366 cattle, and 2,852 goats and sheep, alleviating the struggle for water access and reducing human-wildlife conflict.

Other boreholes that have been renovated or solarized under this initiative include Imbuko, Kunchu, Imisigiyio Kamwanka, MC Kiboko, and Lenkism. These boreholes are now providing much-needed water access to the local residents, their livestock, and wildlife, reducing conflict over scarce resources and improving overall community well-being.

One health approach: preventing disease transmission

A holistic approach to conservation must include human and animal health. Recognizing this, WWF-Kenya, in partnership with the Kajiado County Government and with support from the Michael Otto Foundation for Sustainability, launched a rabies vaccination campaign in four villages: Ilkulunyeti, Merrueshi, Noosidan, and Oldonyo Sambu. In just seven days, 300 domestic dogs were vaccinated, covering 80% of the dog population.

Veterinarian Dr. Edward Kariuki emphasized the significance of this initiative: “While we have seen cases attributed to wild carnivores, vaccinating domestic dogs offers the most effective strategy for mitigating rabies transmission across all species, including humans.”

Clean energy transition: women leading the way

In Nasaru-Olosho Conservancy, 188 households have benefited from modern energy-efficient jikos (cookstoves) with 812 more set to get the stoves, significantly reducing firewood consumption and indoor air pollution. These stoves, supported by the Michael Otto Foundation for Sustainability and WWF-UK, are helping conserve forests while improving household health and safety.

Eunice Tom Nakutiti, a local resident, shared her experience: “I now use only three to four logs of firewood to cook meals for my family, compared to the large bundles I needed before. This has reduced the time I spend collecting firewood and helped preserve our trees.”

Nature-based livelihoods: the rise of beekeeping

Beekeeping is emerging as a promising nature-based livelihood for women in Amboseli. WWF-Kenya, through the Michael Otto Foundation for Sustainability, has been training women-led groups in Nasaru-Olosho Conservancy on apiary hygiene and honey production.

Emma Rukarine, a member of the Enduata Onkera women’s group, shared her excitement: “Just a few months ago, our group harvested 20 kilograms of honey. With the money, we bought a goat. It may not seem like much, but it’s a step towards financial independence. We are growing, learning, and little by little, our vision is coming to life.”

Wildlife security

The interventions supported by the Michael Otto Foundation for Sustainability directly contribute to the enhancement of Nasaru-Olosho Conservancy, improved habitat connectivity within the Amboseli Ecosystem, and the implementation of the Amboseli Ecosystem Plan. As part of enhancing wildlife security, 21 community rangers have undergone refresher training and receive regular support in the form of food rations to enhance their welfare. In addition, through the project, WWF-Kenya has built ranger stations and donated tents for community scouts.

By ensuring safe learning environments, securing water access, promoting disease control, supporting clean energy, and creating sustainable livelihoods, this work is transforming lives while protecting Kenya’s rich biodiversity.


"Otto Fund for Sustainability has helped secure Nasaru-Olosho Conservancy, which is a critical wildlife corridor. Our work has brought Nasaru into the limelight, and because of this, many more partners have come to work in Nasaru in the last two years," said Dr John Kioko, Programme Coordinator, Amboseli-Chyulu Sublandscape, WWF-Kenya.

By Joel Muinde & Faith Tanui