Kaputiei Open Plains Program
The purpose of the project is to secure open rangeland and the future of conservation in the wider Kitengela dispersal area known as Kaputiei, with Nairobi National Park as its focal point. It aims to achieve sustainable environmental, economic and social prosperity for the various land uses in the area and the various stakeholders.
Following the sub division and sale of vast tracts of land in the area which are further sub divided into even smaller plots by new buyers, the community of Kaputiei has began to feel like a marginalized minority in their own backyard. The community is also facing a loss in their traditional way of life: keeping of livestock. They depend on grazing and free movement on open land and surface water and are intent on keeping land open to share it with wildlife. They envision creating a conservancy to benefit from wildlife through tourism.
The project seeks to develop and strengthen the institutional, management and policy structures associated with Kaputiei ecosystem; its partnerships; funding and income generation mechanisms. This will enable residents of Kaputiei, particularly pastoralists, to manage their traditional grazing lands while providing wet season dispersal space for wildlife. Through this arrangement, they are expected to benefit more than they would from sub dividing, fencing their lands and engaging in enterprises that undermine open space and wildlife conservation.
The project will communicate benefits and instill confidence by promoting quality, value and direct benefits. It targets livestock/land owners in Kaputiei, the Ministries of Tourism, Lands, Wildlife, Environment, Planning, Nairobi Metropolitan and Local Government and other decision makers.
Objectives
• To formally secure open grasslands in the wider Kitengela area(locally referred to as Kaputiei) for the benefit of both Kaputiei and Nairobi residents, Kenyans and the world
• To create value for the open grasslands and meaningful returns to owners through recreation ,improved livestock production and tourism
• To secure the future of Nairobi National Park, currently under threat from the conversion of land into residences and small farms. The open land to the south of the park is a vital seasonal migration route for animals in and out of the park
Partners
Dupoto-ee-maa (DEM)
Friends of Nairobi National Park (FONNAP)
