Kenya’s Drylands: A Vital Economic Resource Needing Urgent Investment

Kenya’s drylands, which constitute more than 80% of the country’s landmass, are often viewed through the lens of scarcity and vulnerability. However, these arid and semi-arid regions represent significant economic assets that support pastoral communities, biodiversity, and renewable energy opportunities.

Rethinking Drylands as Economic Engines

At the ongoing UN Convention to Combat Desertification (COP17) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, discussions have shifted towards recognizing drylands not just as areas to manage but as economies to build. With rangelands covering 54% of the world’s land, they are critical to Africa’s social, economic, and ecological fabric.

Kenya’s drylands are home to pastoralists whose livelihoods depend on livestock movement synchronized with seasonal water and pasture availability. Climate change has disrupted these traditional patterns by reducing pastures, drying water sources, and fragmenting migration routes due to development and conservation barriers.

Pastoralists as Custodians of Land

Rather than seeing pastoralists solely as victims of environmental changes, they should be recognized as key partners in land restoration efforts. Their indigenous knowledge of landscapes and weather patterns is invaluable in adapting to climate challenges and sustaining rangeland health.

Research by the World Resources Institute highlights the critical role of secure land rights for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs). Between 2016 and 2024, 92% of rangeland loss occurred in areas without protected land tenure, while only 8% of loss happened where land rights were secured. This underscores the importance of legal protection for pastoral lands as a strategy for conservation and restoration.

Building a Restoration Economy

The future of Kenya’s drylands lies in shifting from a narrative of loss to one of opportunity. Investments in healthy soils, resilient rangelands, and water management, combined with financing that matches the scale of the challenge, can unlock the full potential of these lands.

Securing land tenure, empowering pastoralist communities, and integrating their knowledge into national policy are essential steps toward sustainable development. This approach aligns with Kenya’s broader nation-building goals and can position the country as a leader in dryland restoration and climate resilience.

As the COP17 conference emphasizes “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope,” Kenya has a unique opportunity to demonstrate how investing in drylands and trusting the wisdom of pastoralists can foster economic growth and environmental sustainability for generations to come.