Kenya has joined the global community in celebrating World Ranger Day, honouring the men and women whose dedication and sacrifice safeguard the country’s wildlife, forests and natural heritage.
The national celebrations were held at Tsavo West National Park, bringing together conservation stakeholders to recognise the critical role played by rangers in protecting Kenya’s biodiversity.
Tsavo West National Park was the venue of the day and other conservation experts joined the national team from this wildlife conservation area in appreciation of the rangers on the ground whose effort it’s that wildlife is saved, habitat protected, and crime against wildlife prevented.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano paid tribute to rangers serving across the country, acknowledging their courage and commitment to conservation.
“To our brave rangers standing guard across Kenya’s wild landscapes, and the families who support them, thank you. Your sacrifice keeps our nation’s heritage alive.” She added that “investing in our rangers is an investment in Kenya’s future,” emphasizing that lasting conservation is built through strong partnerships between rangers, communities and other conservation stakeholders.
Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime, underlined the need for the involvement of local people as partners in the conservation of the environment and cited projects like apiaries, aloe gardens and aquaculture. He indicated that through such eco-businesses the people’s standards of living can be enhanced and the relations between the communities and wildlife will be preserved in harmony.
Prof. Erustustus Kanga, Kenya Wildlife Service Director General pointed out again that conservation achievements at the different levels of wildlife population growth through securing of the habitats and the reduction or elimination of wildlife crimes, all depend to a greater degree on the rangers’ work.