Chuine Wildlife Conservancy (CWC)

The conservancy is situated in the North Eastern part of Sandai Location within Lake Bogoria landscape in Marigat sub-county. It neighbors Ilchamus, Kiserian, Chebinyiny and Arabal locations. The community that holds the conservancy is Endorois but also neighbors Ilchamus community. The conservancy is a C.B.O, a member of Baringo County Conservancy Association and its now working out to be a member of KWCA and other regional bodies.

The Pearl of Chuine Wildlife Conservancy

The area has a very rich flora and fauna according to an inventory obtained in 2005, the striking ones being the Greater Kudu, Klipspringer, Elands, Zebras, Dikdik and Buffalos among others. There are also very interesting features such as gorges, air vent and viewpoints. The said project site falls under Sandai wooded grassland whose importance  include grassland for livestock and wildlife grazing, wildlife corridor and breeding area, medicinal value, cultural value and historical sites. According to a survey carried out in 2009, on spatial variation in value of ecosystem services, Chuine rates second after Lake Bogoria National Reserve on ecosystem and biodiversity. However, it was rated 1^st in the location. This shows the community’s realization of the importance of wildlife.Water, food and grazing for livestock scored highly according to the mean score for ecosystem services.

Governance Structure

The conservancy is well structured in its organization that gives it a cutting edge in the management of the conservancy. It has 304 members whose opinions and voice are paramount especially during annual general meetings. The next is the management committee which deliberates on the issues or opinions raised, make decisions, implement and manage day- to- day conservancy activities. Then there is the council of elders consisting of 12 members who give advisory services, identify bonafide members and solve conflicts. In the near future, plans are underway to recruit staff who will deal with management issues directly. These include a manager, an accountant, and secretary and game rangers. There is also a constitution with by-laws that ensure that the conservancy is well governed.

Gender Mainstreaming

The conservancy members are being sensitized on the importance of recognizing women as a special group deserving equal rights with men according to the constitution of Kenya 2010. We are happy that some of them have started to understand and as a result, there are 4 women in our committee of 13 members. The women were nominated by their respective families to represent them. Women have also being given right to register as individual members. Initially, only men register themselves due to landowners aspect. However, there is need to carry out more sanitization to ensure full implementation of the gender rule. This should also include vulnerable groups such as youth, persons with disabilities and indigenous people. However, there is need to carry out more sanitization to ensure full implementation of the gender rule. This should also include vulnerable groups such as youth, persons with disabilities and indigenous people.