Fortunately, SORALO has not been severely affected due to its diverse donor base and the fact that USAID’s funding priorities in Kenya have mainly focused on regions like Laikipia, Amboseli, Tsavo and the Maasai Mara.
However, many of our partner organisations have been impacted, with some losing up to 70 – 80% of their funding, leading to long-term disruptions to conservation efforts across Kenya. These cuts are expected to have a significant impact on conservation funding, possibly even more severe that the effects of the COVID19 pandemic. As a result, funding that could have been used to expand SORALO’s projects has been redirected to cover gaps caused by these cuts. Donors are now prioritising organisations directly affected by the funding reductions, which may disproportionately benefit the already heavily supported regions. This could widen the inequity in conservation funding leaving communities like those supported by SORALO at risk of being overlooked. SORALO’s work in regions outside the core conservation areas may suffer, reinforcing feelings of being side-lined despite these communities playing a crucial role in Kenya’s conservation goals.
There are also concerns about the cuts affecting institutional funding for government agencies like the Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Forest Service who are mandated to protect our wildlife and forests. As a result the responsibility of bridging this gap may increasingly fall on organisations like SORALO and potentially lead to a reduction in overall conservation funding and create competition among organisations for the fewer available resources. This situation could harm collaboration efforts and increase conflict within the sector. To mitigate these impacts, SORALO is maintaining strong partnerships, focusing on efficient, innovative approaches to support its communities within limited budgets, and navigating these challenges with strategic partnerships. While alternative funding opportunities are emerging, SORALO is currently excluded from these efforts, as they primarily support organisations directly impacted by the cuts.
Looking ahead, the future of conservation funding is uncertain, and SORALO is doing its best to adapt to this challenging situation. As we navigate through this new funding challenges and uncertain times, we encourage you to continue standing with the people and wildlife of Kenya’s South Rift. If you have any questions please write to us comms@soralo.org
