Conservation Value:

The Kwenia cliffs are approximately 140 meters high overlooking Kwenia Lake in the Rift Valley and serve as in important nesting site for the Critically Endangered Rüppell's vulture (Gyps rueppellii).  Kwenia is the most important (nesting and roosting) site for this critically endangered species (Gyps rueppellii) in southern Kenya.  It serves as the central hub for Rüppell’s vultures that venture out in search for food across the region.   The proposed Kwenia Vulture Sanctuary is favoured by the local Maasai people who recognize that this unique and valuable piece of the Rift Valley is in critical need of protection.

Threats:

• Increased development
• For vultures: poisons found in cattle carcasses and electrocution caused by cement telephone poles
• Resource-based conflicts (overgrazing, commercial agriculture, poison applications, charcoaling, inter-community conflicts) 
• Lack of awareness of the value of biodiversity and the need for better policies and planning
• Limited livelihood opportunities and unsustainable livelihoods

Actions & Results:

The project aims to: Establish landowner and community consensus; document land ownership; map the sanctuary; formalize the Kwenia Vulture Sanctuary; prepare KVS Concept; conduct landowner forum; register KVS with the Kenya Wildlife Service.