Lekurruki Conservancy
Empowering Our Community Through Conservation.
Our Story
Established in 1999, Lekurruki Conservancy is more than just a wildlife sanctuary; it was born from a shared vision between the local Yaaku communities and passionate conservationists who sought to protect the community and it’s land. Our community has continued to embrace this shared vision by promoting the security of its people and wildlife, we have also created employment for the community, initiated and implemented livelihood projects that have collectively improved the living standards of over 820 households. The conservancy, with the support of donors and partners, continues to build community capacity to manage, rehabilitate, and increase the productivity of the land, thereby restoring habitat for livestock and wildlife.
Our Land
Our community managed conservancy spans over 7,500.5 hectares (approximately 70 km²) of pristine land and is nestled between the neighbouring Lewa, Borana and Samburu conservancies. Lekurruki Conservancy forms an important link between these conservancies and is committed to protecting its diverse ecosystems while empowering the local Yaaku communities. Efforts include restoring wildlife habitats, safeguarding endangered species, and implementing anti-poaching measures through community-led patrols. Lekurruki prioritizes sustainable land use by integrating livestock grazing plans that align with wildlife corridors, ensuring coexistence between humans and nature. Revenue from ecotourism initiatives like Tassia Community Lodge directly supports conservation projects and community development, including education and healthcare.
Our Community
The Yaaku community, also known as Mukogodo or “people who live in rocks,” have a deep-rooted connection with their environment and have called these lands home for centuries. The Yaaku are believed to have lived in regions of southern Ethiopia and central Kenya, possibly until the 18th century. As an indigenous community in Kenya, they are known for their rich connection to the natural environment and unique Cushitic heritage. Originally hunters and gatherers, the Yaaku later adopted a pastoralist lifestyle, influenced by interactions with neighbouring Maasai communities.
Our community continues to lead a pastoralist lifestyle with livestock as the main livelihood activity, milk and beef are the most important products for household use. In some families, livestock are sold in organised markets, to middlemen, or at markets in Doldol, Timau, Isiolo, and occasionally in Nanyuki. The Lekurruki community has been continually affected by recurring droughts, with most households commonly losing up to 90% of their livestock. Attempts to diversify have recently led people to embrace camels, goats, and sheep. Livestock herds are also frequently moved to access the best pastures available outside the Lekurruki conservancy.
Join us in raising living standards while protecting our wildlife and natural resources.
Water is Life: Restoring Our Vital Resource
Diminishing water resources have posed significant challenges for our community and wildlife. With your support, we can construct essential water collection and storage systems such as rainwater harvesting. This project will not only ensure that livestock and wildlife have access to water but also enhance the resilience of our community in times of drought.
Sustainable Land Use: Cultivating Hope
With accessible water, we can implement climate-smart farming techniques that promote regenerative practices like agroforestry and crop rotation. These methods will not only improve food security but also protect our environment from degradation. Together, we can cultivate resilience while learning sustainable grazing and agricultural practices that benefit everyone.
Education: The Key to Breaking Barriers
A well-educated community is a thriving one. Our Community Education Hub aims to combat illiteracy by providing training in basic business management, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. This empowering platform will enable local businesses to flourish while fostering gender equality—giving women and girls access to skills that elevate their roles within households and society.
Tassia Lodge
Tassia Lodge is a remarkable retreat, created out of rock and wood to harmonise with its stunning natural surroundings. Tassia stands as a beacon of sustainable tourism. We are proud to employ locals, source produce from nearby farmers, and reinvest profits into vital conservation and social projects. By staying with us, you contribute directly to preserving both the environment and community traditions.
Be part of our legacy
Revenue from ecotourism initiatives like ours directly funds community development projects in education and healthcare. By choosing to visit Lekurruki, you become part of a grassroots movement that blends traditional knowledge with modern conservation strategies, making a real impact on the lives of local families.