Thamani Asili project to unlock Sh46 billion for Kenya's conservation sector



Taifa news 
Macharia David 

Kenya is set to roll out the Thamani Asili (Value of Nature) programme, a landmark conservation financing initiative expected to unlock more than US$360 million (about Sh46 billion) for forests, wildlife and other critical ecosystems while attracting private investment into the country's conservation sector.
Speaking during the unveiling of the initiative, Dr. Moses Ikiara of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) said the Government of Kenya and TNC have already mobilised US$160 million for the first phase of the programme.

"This project is almost at the final stages. We hope the government will sign it any time, and then we can start implementation," he said.
According to Dr. Ikiara, the initial funding will be used to improve the investment climate by removing barriers that have discouraged commercial and impact investors from financing conservation.

"The US$160 million in phase one will be used to make the environment better by removing obstacles to impact investors and commercial investors so that we can unlock private capital. That's the only way we can achieve sustainability," he said.

He noted that the first phase is expected to mobilise at least US$200 million from private sector and impact investors, bringing the total investment to more than US$360 million.
"Phase two, we expect to do much more through debt and other financing arrangements. We will be able to unlock more money for conservation," Dr. Ikiara added.

The programme seeks to establish a long-term financing model for Kenya's forests, water towers, wildlife habitats and biodiversity, reducing dependence on short-term donor funding while increasing private sector participation.

Dr. Ikiara said the project will support forest restoration, biodiversity conservation, protection of water catchments, community conservancies and nature-based enterprises that create jobs and strengthen climate resilience.

Kenya's forests are critical to the economy, supplying water for homes, agriculture and hydropower generation, supporting tourism, storing carbon and protecting biodiversity. Conservation experts say sustainable financing is essential to reversing forest degradation and safeguarding these ecosystems.

Dr. Ikiara said an independent conservation financing facility will be established to manage the resources transparently.

"The NGOs and other players will be able to submit proposals for funding, so long as their projects address the priorities that have been identified," he said.

He also acknowledged development partners for supporting the design of the programme, saying they would have an opportunity to access financing once the facility becomes operational.
The Thamani Asili programme, whose name means "Value of Nature" in Kiswahili, is expected to become one of Kenya's largest sustainable conservation financing initiatives, providing long-term investment to protect the country's natural resources while supporting economic growth and community livelihoods.

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