PRESIDENT RUTO COMMENDS KWS FOR ENHANCED REVENUE COLLECTION AND CONSERVATION EFFORTS
December 3, 2024
Manyani, Taita-Taveta County
President William Ruto today lauded the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) for its significant achievements in conservation, service digitization, and strides toward financial sustainability.
Speaking at the historic passing-out parade of 1,274 ranger recruits at the KWS Law Enforcement Academy in Manyani, the President highlighted these milestones as a testament to the organization’s growing impact. This passsing-out parade marked the largest recruitment cohort in a decade and included the highest number of female recruits in the 35-years history of the Kenya Wildlife Service.
Prof Erustus Kanga, the KWS Director General, noted that “among them are our youngest recruits, just 18 years old, who, with God’s blessing, they will serve wildlife conservation for the next 42 years, highlighting how KWS has positioned itself into a sustainability platform with this recruitment”
President Ruto celebrated KWS’s achievements over the last two years, including a fleet of 98 vehicles for ranger force modernisation, which he attributed to the digitization of services and revenue growth.
“This remarkable growth underscores the power of technology in enhancing public service delivery,” he stated. “I encourage the KWS Board and management to sustain this momentum and achieve full financial self-sufficiency within the next two years.”
Referring to KWS rangers as Kenya’s “Green Warriors,” President Ruto praised their vital role in protecting the country’s wildlife and supporting key economic sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and energy. “Our wildlife is nature's savings account—an irreplaceable fountain of life and vitality. Every act of conservation is a deposit into this account, yielding invaluable returns for our environment and economy,” he remarked.
The President also commended Kenya’s conservation achievements, highlighting zero rhino poaching cases in 2020 and the country’s thriving wildlife populations. “Today, Kenya proudly hosts Africa’s third-largest rhino population at 2,004 and the fourth-largest elephant population at 37,000,” he noted, attributing these successes to robust anti-poaching efforts and collaborative conservation initiatives.
Hon. Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, echoed the President’s sentiments, hailing the recruits as champions of Kenya’s natural heritage. “This record-breaking cohort, with its strong female representation, exemplifies our commitment to diversity and inclusion in conservation,” she said.
“our aim is to bring on board as many young women to the wildlife conservation space as possible given that by nature, women are born and wired to nurture and groom,” Hon Miano said.
She also emphasized strengthening ties with the Manyani community, highlighting the academy’s role as both a national treasure and a vital local resource.
Hon. Miano envisioned transforming the KWS Law Enforcement Academy into a global centre for conservation training. “By incorporating modern subjects like climate change, photography, and storytelling, we aim to position this institution as Africa’s premier wildlife conservation hub,” she added.
President Ruto concluded by urging the new recruits to serve with dedication, courage, and patriotism. “You are the stewards of Kenya’s natural wealth and the custodians of our national heritage. Your service will shape our nation’s future and inspire the world,” he affirmed.
The ceremony was graced by senior government officials, including Cabinet Secretaries Opiyo Wandayi, Salim Mvurya, and Hassan Joho, alongside Taita-Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime.
The event showcased Kenya’s innovation and resilience in wildlife conservation, especially the deployment of emerging technologies, reaffirming its global leadership in the critical sector.
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