Isiolo,Kenya| Isiolo County residents and workers of various local conservancies have taken to the streets in peaceful protests following the Isiolo Environmental Court’s ruling to shut down two community conservancies in Cherab and Chari wards.
The court found that the conservancies were operating without the required legal authorization, a decision that has sparked outrage among locals who rely on them for their livelihoods.
During demonstrations in Isiolo town, protestors expressed their frustration, arguing that the court’s ruling disregards the significant benefits the conservancies provide to the community.
The conservancies have been instrumental in environmental conservation, wildlife protection, and supporting local livelihoods, particularly through employment and sustainable land use.
Aden Mohamed, Chairperson of the Isiolo Conservancies Union, voiced his disappointment with the ruling, vowing to challenge it in court.
He emphasized that shutting down the conservancies would deal a severe blow to families who depend on them for income, grazing land, and conservation-linked economic activities.
“The conservancies have been a lifeline for many families in Cherab and Chari. The court’s decision does not account for the positive impact they have on the community,” Mohamed stated.
Many residents suspect that political interests may have played a role in the ruling, with speculation that certain individuals could be seeking to exploit the land for illegal wildlife activities or commercial development.
Protesters called for transparency in decision-making and urged the government to reconsider the closure to protect both the environment and the livelihoods of Isiolo’s people.
The protests have drawn widespread attention, with conservation groups and local leaders weighing in on the matter.
Many believe that instead of outright closure, the government should work with community conservancies to ensure they operate within legal frameworks while continuing to provide their invaluable ecological and economic benefits.
Residents have vowed to continue pushing for a review of the court’s ruling, maintaining that the conservancies play a crucial role in preserving Isiolo’s unique biodiversity and sustaining local communities.
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