Nairobi: Stakeholders in forestry, wildlife, and natural resources management have urged the county government of Isiolo to hire additional rangers to help in protecting the natural habitats.
According to Kenya News Agency, the current number of rangers tasked with management of the three main national game reserves of Buffalo Springs, Shaba, and Bisanadi is minimal, making it difficult to enforce laws related to the protection of natural resources. The stakeholders emphasized the critical role rangers play in protecting wildlife and performing other functions, urging the county government to employ more game rangers to improve service delivery and increase the much-needed revenue for the devolved function.
They highlighted concerns about the dwindling and aging workforce that could threaten conservation efforts in the three national game reserves, which have the potential to raise revenue to the standard they held in past years and were ranked second nationally after the defunct Narok County Council.
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Senior Assistant Director in charge of Meru, Isiolo, Tharaka Nithi, Kitui, and Garissa Counties, Mr. John Wambua, called for collaborative conservation efforts and urged communities to partner with government agencies to enhance the safeguarding of natural resources. He mentioned that the national government encourages KWS to work alongside local rangers for more effective wildlife protection.
Speaking in Isiolo town after the World Rangers Day celebrations, Mr. Wambua stated that the commemoration provided a platform to sensitize the public on the risks and dedication involved in conservation work. He added that the day serves as an opportune time to recognize outstanding service, honor those who have died in the course of duty, and motivate rangers from KWS, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), and the conservancies.
The Director of the Merti Integrated Development Programme (MID-P), Mr. Molu Tepo, noted that many current rangers are nearing retirement age, highlighting the need for recruiting younger personnel to ensure continuity and efficiency in conservation work. Mr. Tepo also emphasized the importance of community-based conservation efforts, supported by local organizations such as MID-P and PASIDA through the Small Grants Programme, which aim to introduce innovative strategies for wildlife and environmental protection in Isiolo and Samburu counties.
Isiolo's three national game reserves are renowned for their stunning landscapes and are home to unique 'Big Five' wildlife species, including the Grevy Zebra, Reticulated giraffe, Somali Ostrich, Beisal Oryx, and Gerenuk gazelle.