A new generation of entrepreneurs is emerging in the Greater Mara ecosystem, Narok County, following a Sh230 million initiative aimed at strengthening livelihoods in one of Kenya’s most critical conservation landscapes.
The programme—Economic Empowerment and Gender Transformation in the Maasai Mara—is backed by I&M Bank, I&M Foundation and GIZ through the develoPPP programme, and implemented by The Maa Trust.
Nine entrepreneurs have so far secured KES1.92 million in seed funding, alongside scholarships and business support, after completing a multi-stage entrepreneurship programme culminating in a live pitching competition dubbed The Predators’ Den.
The initiative targets youth and women, equipping them with business development, financial literacy and pitching skills, while linking enterprise growth to environmental conservation in the Maasai Mara.
A total of 140 entrepreneurs drawn from seven communities participated, with 21 finalists advancing to a two-month mentorship programme before pitching to a panel of judges.
“We believe that empowering entrepreneurs is one of the most effective ways to create sustainable change,” said Dipnah Shah, Sustainability Lead at I&M Foundation. “Sustainable conservation is only possible when communities have the skills, resources and confidence to thrive economically.”
GIZ Technical Advisor Kevina Wangai said the programme reflects a growing push to align economic development with environmental stewardship. “We are proud to support entrepreneurs building innovative businesses that strengthen livelihoods while preserving the Maasai Mara ecosystem,” she said.
Despite its global status—anchored by the annual wildebeest migration—the Maasai Mara continues to face uneven distribution of tourism benefits, with many local communities, particularly youth, excluded from key value chains.
Dr. Crystal Mogensen, CEO of The Maa Trust, said the initiative seeks to close that gap by linking conservation directly to income generation. “We are enabling communities to benefit from preserving their natural environment,” she noted.
The competition showcased a range of grassroots enterprises addressing local challenges, including food production, water access, digital services and eco-friendly solutions.
Bakery entrepreneur Carl Leitato Naurori emerged as the overall winner, receiving KES250,000 to expand his business. Martin Kiok secured a KES650,000 scholarship to advance digital inclusion efforts through his cyber café.
Other winners included Ann Kamakia (livestock enterprise), David Kesierr (water vending), Noormeshuki Kamakia (textile and cultural wear), Sylvia Sanaipei (poultry), Anthony Lenkume (barbershop), Valentine Muteyian (honey production) and Joseph Maguta (detergent solutions).
The awards were supported by partners including Uhama Foundation, Asilia, Aqua Nirvana Foundation and Saruni Basecamp Foundation.
The programme underscores a broader shift in Kenya’s conservation model placing community enterprise at the centre of sustainable ecosystem management.
