Equipping rangers: WWF-Kenya hands over Ksh11M gear to Kenya Wildlife Service
In the line of duty, wildlife rangers endure difficult working conditions and harsh weather conditions every day. To improve their welfare and capacity, WWF-Kenya donated equipment and personal kits to the Kenya Wildlife Service, Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy.
WWF-Kenya bought the Ksh 11 million equipment with support from the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. This was under the project, Giving Rangers Technology, Tools, and Training.
KWS director-general, Dr Erustus Kanga, received the equipment. The items included boots, solar power systems, computers and GPS units. KWS will distribute the equipment to six key rhino sites. The six sites host over 75% of Kenya’s black rhino population.
“As this project comes to a tail end, what I love most is it provides direct assistance to rangers and channels investments to the educational needs of rangers and making the best use of American technology.” Kevan Higgins — Director for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, U.S. Embassy, Nairobi.
“We are grateful to the US Government for their support in equipping rangers with items that will protect the country’s wildlife and ensure our rangers are not only equipped but well-informed.” Mohamed Awer — Chief Executive Officer, WWF-Kenya.
Wildlife crime, a multi-billion dollar transnational activity, poses a major threat to global conservation efforts. This illegal practice has led to the dramatic decline of iconic species such as African elephants and black rhinos, primarily due to poaching. In Kenya, for instance, habitat loss, poaching and human-wildlife conflicts have been particularly devastating, causing a 68% reduction in wildlife populations over the past 40 years.
This decline not only endangers biodiversity but also threatens the viability of Kenya’s wildlife economy by affecting tourism, a major source of revenue for the government and communities. Hence the deployment of rangers in protected areas and scouts in private and community lands is essential.
Previous surveys have shown that Kenyan rangers are under-resourced in welfare, equipment, and training. The materials and equipment provided are intended to not only enhance the capacity and improve the welfare of rangers but also to protect Kenya’s wildlife and enforce wildlife trafficking laws.
By Faith Jelagat, Edited by Joel Muinde
