President William Ruto has urged the new Kenya Wildlife Service ranger recruits to serve with dedication, courage, and patriotism.
Speaking during the passing-out parade of 1,274 ranger recruits at the KWS Law Enforcement Academy in Manyani, Pres. Ruto pointed out KWS rangers vital role in protecting the country’s wildlife and supporting key economic sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and energy.
“This passing-out parade marked the largest recruitment cohort in a decade and included the highest number of female recruits in the 35 years of the Kenya Wildlife Service,” said Ruto.
The Head of State lauded KWS efforts in conservation and the deployment of emerging technologies in wildlife conservation.
“This remarkable growth underscored the power of technology in enhancing public service delivery. I encourage the KWS board and management to sustain this momentum and achieve full financial self-sufficiency within the next two years,” said Pres. Ruto.
The country currently hosts Africa’s third largest rhino population at 2,004 and fourth largest elephant population at 37,000, a success the President attributed to anti-poaching efforts and collaborative conservation initiatives.
“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.
Apart from having the highest number of recruits, this year’s passing-out parade also saw the youngest recruits join the service.
“Just 18 years old, who with God’s blessings will serve wildlife conservation for the next 42 years, highlighting how KWS has positioned itself into a sustainability platform with this recruitment,” said Prof Erustus Kanga, the KWS Director General.
Speaking during the event, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano echoed President Ruto’s sentiments adding that the high number of female recruits exemplified the country’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in conservation.
“Our aim is to bring on board as many young women to the wildlife conservation space as possible, given that by nature, women are wired to nurture and groom,” said CS Miano.
The CS also spoke of plans to transform the KWS Law Enforcement Academy in Manyani into a global centre for conservation training.
“By incorporating modern subjects like climate change, photography, and story telling, we aim to position this institution as Africa’s premier wildlife conservation hub,” she said.
