Assessment of Socio-Economic Drivers, Community Participation, and Ecological Outcomes of Community-Led Governance Systems in Ruko Conservancy, Kenya

Abstract

Conserving biodiversity is critical for maintaining ecological balance, supporting sustainable livelihoods, and ensuring ecosystem health. In Kenya, habitat loss, fragmentation, and changing climate are major threats to biodiversity, increasing the frequency and severity of drought, impacting wildlife and local communities. The study examined the effectiveness of community led governance in conservation of biodiversity in Ruko Conservancy, Kenya. The study was conducted using a cross sectional, mixed method design, based on the theories of place-based learning, social learning and resource dependence. Five locations—Komolion, Korossi, Mukutani, Kapkechui, and Rugus—were identified and 330 surveys were conducted, with five key stakeholder interviews added in. GIS mapping and NDVI computation were used to explore the land use/land cover (LULC) change and vegetation health between 1985 and 2025.The findings suggest that community involvement is crucial to Ruko's conservation efforts, with younger community members more involved than the older. 59.1% of the respondents reported better conservation results after implementing community led governance. The ecological analysis indicated an increase in tree cover from 11.84% (1985) to 30.19% (2025), as well as a shift to a more diverse ecosystem and improved woody vegetation health. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated the importance of local involvement in resource management, biodiversity conservation, and peacebuilding, as exemplified by the Ruko Community Conservancy. Yet, outside insecurity remains a challenge, threatening governance structures and sustainability. The study calls for institutional measures to support equity and accountability, representation of women and youth through formalization, capacity development, and the inclusion of long-term monitoring in conservation funding to address these issues. They are vital in sustaining community-led conservation areas in Kenya and offer a framework for the effective management of biodiversity whilst allowing for local control.