As the curtains fall on 2025, Ol Pejeta Conservancy reflects on a milestone year of profound triumphs and challenges. From commemorating 20 years of integrated conservation leadership, protecting endangered species, empowering local communities and catalyzing economic growth in Kenya, we have marked significant strides forward.
For over two decades, Ol Pejeta has placed people at the forefront of addressing the climate crisis. Our 20th anniversary fete put the spotlight on these incredible folks: our staff, rangers, ecologists, vets, and the extraordinary people that make Ol Pejeta one of Africa’s most thrilling conservation and travel hotspots. Here is how your support in 2025 has made a tangible impact for wildlife, habitats and the 22 local communities we actively support.
One of our defining hallmarks for 2025 was marking eight consecutive years without a single poaching incident. This streak is more than a pat on the back. It speaks volumes about the hard work of our dedicated ranger units, intelligence teams, community partnerships, and technology-driven security measures. It’s a powerful demonstration of what’s possible when conservation and cutting-edge technology converge to tackle pressing environmental challenges. 46 wildlife rangers completed advanced training programs that improved their ability to effectively patrol wilderness areas, thwart wildlife crime, respond to emergencies, and protect endangered species.
As of December 2025, we welcomed 25 bouncing rhino calves – an indicator of a healthy thriving rhino population – bringing our rhino population to a record 240 individuals. In partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service, the national rhino audit was conducted to ensure that the strategic plans to protect these endangered species are based on verifiable information.
As the largest black rhino sanctuary in East and Central Africa, Ol Pejeta stands out as one of the biggest contributors to the Kenya Rhino Range Expansion plan – a high-profile Government project aimed at growing Kenya’s black rhino populations, securing vast new habitats for rhinos to roam. In 2025, we successfully translocated nine critically endangered Eastern black rhinos to Segera Conservancy in Laikipia – a historic first for Segera. As a member of the BioRescue Consortium, our spirited efforts to save the northern white rhino species from extinction continues.
Ol Pejeta veterinary experts responded to more than 120 distress calls to protect wildlife beyond our borders and address human wildlife conflict. Our vet duo, Dr. Florence Kangethe and Dr. Joseph Mbuthia, have treated over 20 injured rhinos, rescued a zebra foal, removed a spear from an elephant in Segera Conservancy and supported 16 veterinary interventions outside of our borders.
From a community development lens, five new classrooms brought fresh hope to the doorsteps of remote families in northern Kenya, ensuring inclusion for underserved children by providing critical educational infrastructure for hundreds of young learners. 325 secondary school students got a step closer to achieving their career dreams thanks to our scholarship program. New digital literacy equipment introduced to four school is empowering students in rural Laikipia to reach their full potential by giving 1,608 students access to online learning resources and a connection to global education tech platforms.
In partnership with Science in A Suitcase, we’re accelerating learning outcomes of students and sharpening their minds through our robotics program. This initiative fosters digital literacy, critical thinking, problem-solving, and programming fundamentals to empower and prepare rural youth for future tech roles. Sweetwaters Comprehensive School proudly represented Kenya at the World Robotics Olympiad in Singapore marking a big step forward for STEM education in rural Laikipia.
Outside the conservancy, we’re working tirelessly to ensure conservation directly translates to better livelihoods for people. Through our agricultural extension program, 6,904 farmers acquired new skills that enhanced their agricultural yield and built their resilience to climate change. Ol Pejeta distributed 524 energy-saving stoves to help lower carbon emissions, reduce the strain on trees, lower energy expenses for families and improve household health. To strengthen pastoralist livelihoods, we vaccinated 2,000 community cows against CBPP (Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia). We provided 917 Artificial Insemination services to boost the productivity of community livestock and improve breed quality by introducing high quality semen from our pure Boran herd. Ol Pejeta also purchased 366 Boran cattle from neighboring communities, creating high value market and meaningful income streams for pastoralists.
In September 2025, a three-month exhibition, hosted at the Nairobi National Museum, showcased Ol Pejeta’s impact in conservation and community development over the past twenty years. The exhibition was an emotional rollercoaster that brought to the forefront historical events, challenges, conservation gains, and community development milestones. Sporting and cultural activities took center stage with the 10th anniversary of the Rhino Cricket Cup and the first Ol Pejeta golf tournament at the Nanyuki Sports Club.
New partnerships with Kenya Airways and the American University strengthened our global and regional networks creating opportunities for the establishment of a cutting-edge research center on Ol Pejeta. This facility will provide a field-based environment for students, scientists, and schools to learn, research, share ideas and unearth new knowledge to protect wildlife and habitats.
On the tourism front, flagship tourism experiences – meeting the last two northern white rhinos, night game drives and lion tracking — took centre stage, driving strong visitor interest and showcasing the power of conservation-led tourism.
The year was not without setbacks. On March 7, a two-day fire broke out in the Mutara conservation area. It was quickly put out thanks to the determined efforts of personnel and nearby communities. Critical wildlife habitat and dispersal areas got decimated. Gladly, the vegetation is now recovering well thanks to the short rains.
As Ol Pejeta looks ahead, 2025 is a strong reminder of what dedicated teams, empowered communities, and committed partners can achieve. As we celebrate two decades of impact, we want to thank all our supporters, donors, partners, and communities. Your support makes a big difference as we build a better tomorrow by safeguarding nature for the next generation.