In many community conservancies across Kenya, leadership has traditionally been dominated by men. However, this trend is gradually changing in the Tsavo landscape.
At Mgeno Conservancy, located in Taita Taveta, Majala Mlagui serves as the Chairperson of the 55,000 acre conservancy. She is the only female chairperson among 30 conservancies under Taita Taveta Wildlife Conservancies Association
In a sector where leadership positions are overwhelmingly occupied mostly by men of senior age, Majala’s presence is a notable milestone of leadership.
When Majala assumed leadership of the conservancy, revenue from carbon, which was a key source of income for the conservancy, had declined. Despite this economic challenge, Majala saw the opportunity to adapt and grow. ”We could not afford to rely on a single source of income,” she says. “We had to think differently about the future of the conservancy.”
Under her stewardship, Mgeno diversified its economic activities to include livestock production while also expanding tourism opportunities. The conservancy also advanced its engagement with potential investors.
Majala’s success is not just measured in the projects she has undertaken. It is also reflected in the many women whom she continues to inspire. As one of the few female leaders in the community conservation space, she understands the barriers women face when aspiring to access leadership positions. She has made it part of her mission to create pathways for others to follow. She actively advocates for more women to take up leadership roles, supports women’s forums within Mgeno and mentors female board members and conservancy staff.
For Majala, representation matters because women bring a unique perspective to the decision-making platform. “Women think about issues more wholesomely and inclusively,” she says. “We consider how decisions affect families, communities, livelihoods and future generations.”
Despite the progress being made, Majala knows there is still more work to be done. She hopes that conversations about leadership shift focus on capability rather than gender or age. Her message to women aspiring to take on careers in conservation is simple; “We are natural caretakers. Conservation is about caring for people, wildlife and the land. That is why more women are needed in this sector.”
As communities across Kenya continue to champion community-led conservation, leaders like Majala are showing us that effective leadership is not about age or gender but about values such as integrity, professionalism and determination.
