The government has pledged to protect wildlife rangers through the law while insisting that conservation enforcement must respect human rights and the rule of law, as Kenya strengthens its anti-poaching and wildlife security framework.
Addressing newly graduated KWS cadet officers at the KWS Law Enforcement Academy in Manyani, Taita Taveta County, the Deputy President, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, said the government was investing heavily in frontline officers while ensuring accountability in conservation operations.
“With the recruitment of 1,500 rangers and cadets, improved welfare, specialized training, and a clear housing policy for officers in remote and high-risk stations, we are building a professional, motivated, and highly skilled conservation force,” he said.
He gave a firm assurance on ranger safety, saying, “Rangers will be protected by the law, and those who threaten or attack them will face the full force of justice.”
At the same time, the Deputy President cautioned that authority must be exercised responsibly.
“At the same time, conservation authority must always be matched with accountability and respect for human rights. The rule of law must protect both people and wildlife,” said the Deputy President.
He said the government was establishing a ‘world-class National Wildlife Protection and Anti-Poaching Modernization Framework’ that integrates intelligence-led operations, advanced surveillance technologies and a modern command-and-control network.
“We are strengthening cross-border cooperation to dismantle international wildlife crime networks and establishing a National Wildlife Forensics and Intelligence Centre to fight poaching with science and precision,” he said.
The Deputy President linked ranger protection and security to tourism growth, noting that wildlife safety directly affects visitor confidence.
“When we secure our parks, we secure our economy. When conservation works for communities, the nation prospers,” he said.
He added that the number of tourists visiting Kenya had risen significantly, saying that in the last year, the number of tourists visiting Kenya has increased with about half a million and is optimistic that this year, the numbers will rise even further.
Prof. Kindiki disclosed that tourism revenue had also increased, attributing the gains to the work of KWS officers.
“Revenue from tourism has also increased, showing the dedication that our kws officers have put in place in protecting the wildlife,” he said.
Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Ms. Rebecca Miano said the officers were joining the Service at a defining moment marked by escalating human-wildlife conflict, climate-induced ecosystem stress, transnational wildlife crime, and constrained conservation financing.
She said their deployment would significantly strengthen enforcement presence, enhance intelligence-led operations, and improve the safety of visitors and communities living adjacent to protected areas.
“These officers will be an addition to the resource that is required to propel the mandate that we have been given as a ministry and our three priorities going forward. That is promoting investments in the tourism and conservation sector, capacity building and aggressive marketing that will reintroduce Kenya to the world and our new manifesto, Magical Kenya, the Origin of Wonder,” said the CS.
She lauded the officers for their graduation and urged them to continue to serve with the diligence, discipline, resilience and leadership skills that have been impacted on them during their training.
Further, the CS said conservation could not be delivered by government alone and emphasized partnerships with communities and counties.
“Beyond law enforcement, they will serve as the first point of engagement with communities building trust,” she said.
KWS Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga said the graduates were a product of deliberate government investment, adding that the parade represented the successful completion of the first phase of staff capacity development as proposed under the Kenya Wildlife Service Strategic Plan 2024–2028.
Prof. Kanga said the passing-out parade marked a significant milestone in the transformation journey of the Kenya Wildlife Service, noting that 250 officers had completed intensive training.
Drawn from across the country, total of 147 cadets joined the Service after nine months of paramilitary training, and trained to operate in some of the most challenging conservation environments in Africa.
An additional 103 serving junior officers also completed advanced training, bringing the total to 250 officers.
“These officers are today joining a Service that stands at the intersection of conservation, national security, community livelihoods, and sustainable development,” Prof Kanga said, adding that, “The officers will play a critical role in protecting wildlife biodiversity, securing our National Parks and Reserves, supporting tourism growth, and advancing Kenya’s global conservation leadership.”
In his closing remarks, the Deputy President urged the cadets to take up their new roles and serve with integrity and courage, assuring them of government support.
“The government stands firmly behind you and your welfare, your training, your housing, and your mission. As I look at you today, I see the future of conservation in Kenya, as envisioned in our Constitution,” he stated.
