Tourism & Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has officially handed-over 26 Isuzu Pickups to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) in a function held at the organization’s headquarters in Nairobi.
The Cabinet Secretary said that of the 26 vehicles, 21 will be used for rapid response to human-wildlife conflicts and park management in the 47 Counties, while the remaining five will be used for security, biodiversity and research respectively.
He announced that these vehicles form part of the KWS force modernization programme, which is in tandem with the organization’s strategic plan 2017-2022.
“These vehicles will also complement other measures in conservation activities, including the recently launched 43-kilometers wildlife fence in Rumuruti, Laikipia County; the ongoing Mount Kenya fencing Meru Park and the proposed Alia Kasigau fence in Taita Taveta County,” he added.
CS Balala further pointed out that the vehicles will significantly play a vital role of plummeting human-wildlife conflicts alongside improving security and research across the country.
He said his Ministry in consultation with the National Treasury, is working on a plan to increase the budgetary allocation to KWS, so as to enhance its operations, purchase the necessary equipment for conservation activities and settle the pending compensation claims.
He called on the KWS management to rehabilitate their parks, infrastructure and product in order to attract more tourists.
Present at the event were KWS Board of Trustee Chairperson Dr. John Waithaka, Acting KWS Director-General Dr. Charles Musyoki and KWS Staff Members, among other invited guests.
