KWS UNITES CONSERVATION PARTNERS; LAUNCHES GROUNDBREAKING TSAVO DOCUMENTARY
The iconic Ivory Burning Site in Nairobi National Park served as the perfect backdrop for a historic gathering as the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) hosted a high-level conservation partners’ forum on February 2, 2025. The event brought together key conservation stakeholders to strategize on safeguarding Kenya’s rich biodiversity while celebrating a major milestone - the premiere of the documentary "Tsavo, A Moment in Time."
KWS staff, conservationists, government officials and wildlife advocates exchanged ideas on collaborative solutions to pressing challenges, such as poaching to habitat loss. KWS Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga set the tone with an inspiring address, emphasizing that Kenya’s wildlife is a shared heritage requiring collective action. “Our conservation story is being written daily—by rangers on patrol, scientists in labs, communities living alongside wildlife, and partners who stand with us,” he said.
One of the brightest highlights of the forum was the revelation that Tsavo’s elephant population has surpassed 15,000 for the first time since the 1970s; a testament to decades of relentless protection efforts. Yet, Prof. Kanga acknowledged ongoing battles, including sinister poaching networks and shrinking habitats.
The expansion of the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary has already yielded results, with zero poaching incidents in the last quarter. Meanwhile, improved veterinary protocols have drastically reduced rhino translocation deaths. Rangers, too, are seeing progress, with 500 new housing units delivered, although 3,000 more are still needed to fully dignify their service.
Prof Kanga explained how technology is proving to be a conservation game-changer. The Earth Rangers real-time tracking system has disrupted poaching operations and minimized human-wildlife conflicts. However, Prof. Kanga stressed that conservation is not just about spending – it is an investment. The KWS Strategic Plan (2024-2028) weaves together species protection, community benefits, Service self-reliance and tech-driven solutions. Upgrades like the Meru-Mulika Airstrip in Meru National Park are not only for tourism. They create jobs, offering alternatives to poaching and enhancing human-wildlife co-existence.
During a detailed presentation, Prof. Kanga outlined critical areas where partners could step in - expanding rhino sanctuaries, modernizing ranger equipment, securing wildlife corridors and boosting veterinary services. He also addressed emerging challenges, including declining wildlife numbers, encroachment, and the impact of reduced USAID funding.
“Conservation has never been a solo mission,” he declared. “The Tsavo documentary we launch today proves what is possible when we unite.”
The film, directed by legendary conservationist Simon Trevor - who began his career as a junior warden in Amboseli in 1959 - captures Tsavo’s untold stories. “Tsavo is a microcosm of the world,” Trevor remarked. “Its history is a moment in time, echoing the broader struggle for conservation.”
Following its Kenyan premiere on NTV, the documentary will tour East Africa before reaching global audiences, spreading Kenya’s conservation legacy far and wide.
The forum concluded on a hopeful yet urgent note. Prof. Kanga left attendees with a powerful reminder: “Extinction is permanent; but so is legacy. The choices we make now will determine whether future documentaries celebrate our foresight or mourn our inaction.”
Among the distinguished guests were former KWS Director Nehemiah Rotich, KWS Board Chair Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Walter Koipaton, senior government officials, and KWS leadership and staff, all united in their commitment to preserving Kenya’s natural heritage for generations to come.
