Ol Pejeta Conservancy has awarded more than 800 secondary school scholarships to students from neighbouring communities since 2006, deepening its investment in education and youth empowerment.
According to its 2025 annual report, the conservancy says that while some beneficiaries proceed to university, many others face uncertainty after completing secondary school — highlighting the urgent need for practical skills development and structured career pathways.
Addressing a Growing Skills Gap
With the rapid expansion of Nanyuki and surrounding areas, demand for skilled labour in construction, mechanical trades, and other technical fields continues to grow. However, the conservancy notes that many of these roles are often outsourced due to limited local training and certification opportunities.
Chief Executive Officer Justin Heath said the situation presents both a challenge and an opportunity to empower local youth.
“To bridge this gap, we have launched a pilot apprenticeship programme this year (2026) in partnership with local Technical and Vocational Colleges (TVCs),” he said.
Blending Classroom Learning with Hands-On Experience
The new apprenticeship programme integrates classroom-based instruction with practical training at Ol Pejeta. Trainees will receive mentorship from the conservancy’s technical teams, who manage its 90,000-acre conservation area.
The teams bring extensive expertise in mechanics, construction, and fencing — skills in high demand in the region’s growing economy.
Students will work alongside professionals, gaining real-world exposure and hands-on experience using industry-standard tools and equipment. Among the key competencies offered is fencing, a critical skill in Laikipia County where protective barriers are essential to safeguard both communities and wildlife.
Creating Pathways to Employment
The conservancy says the programme aims to equip young people with practical skills and recognised qualifications, creating clearer pathways to employment within the wildlife economy and beyond.
“Participants will leave the programme ready for real jobs, while also gaining hands-on experience in conservation work,” Heath noted.
Beyond employment, the initiative is designed to strengthen community resilience and foster a generation of conservation-minded youth who can actively contribute to sustainable development.
Ol Pejeta hopes the pilot project will serve as a blueprint for other conservancies across Kenya, demonstrating how partnerships between conservation institutions and vocational training centres can address unemployment while supporting environmental stewardship.