Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript Review Method: Peer Reviewed Abstract: This paper examines the procedural and substantive outcomes emanating from new governance structures for managing livelihood and natural resource conflicts and challenges. Evidence on many fronts indicates that the recent efforts by developing countries to incorporate community groups in natural resource management (NRM) is at best very progressive. Collaborative efforts, at times referred to as co-management, are implemented through decentralized programs. This paper investigates why civil society was suddenly incorporated in these governance programs in Kenya. It argues that the state and civil society can partner effectively to handle resource related conflicts and challenges if they manage to operationalize the twin NRM paradigms of sustainability and good governance.