The Cabinet has approved the implementation of the Nairobi National Park Athi-Kapiti Wildlife Corridor, a major conservation initiative designed to reconnect wildlife habitats and secure migratory routes critical for Kenya’s biodiversity.
The project follows a presidential directive issued in July 2023 calling for urgent action to address habitat fragmentation and the rising human-wildlife conflict surrounding Nairobi National Park — the world’s only national park located within a capital city.
According to a dispatch from State House, the corridor will restore the link between Nairobi National Park and surrounding conservancies in Machakos and Kajiado counties, enabling free movement for species such as zebras, wildebeest, and gazelles.
The three-year project, scheduled to begin in the 2026–27 financial year, will involve land acquisition, the installation of wildlife-friendly fencing, and the construction of overpasses and underpasses for safe animal crossings.
To ensure fairness and transparency, the Cabinet also approved a Comprehensive Framework for Infrastructure Projects Pricing to guide compensation for affected landowners. The framework, overseen by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, aims to eliminate irregular pricing practices, reduce cost overruns by up to 25 percent, and enhance value for money in public investments.
Funding for the project will leverage partnerships with conservation agencies and innovative tools such as nature bonds and debt-for-nature swaps. Portions of public land, including sections of the Export Processing Zone, will be surrendered to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to support conservation efforts.
The Cabinet emphasized that the corridor aligns with the Wildlife Corridors and Dispersal Areas Report of 2016, Kenya Vision 2030, and national biodiversity commitments.
By securing migratory routes, the initiative is expected to reduce wildlife fatalities, strengthen ecosystem resilience, and safeguard Kenya’s ecological heritage for future generations
