Sports to Support Primate Protection and Biodiversity in Kenya
For years, conservationists in Kenya have emphasized large animals when discussing wildlife protection and conservation, often overlooking primates, which are increasingly becoming endangered.
According to experts, sports create a key platform to highlight the threats facing Kenya’s primate species right from habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict to climate change and unsustainable land-use practices.
In 2025, World Monkey Day was held at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, focusing on endangered primate species, including Kenya’s critically endangered Eastern Patas monkey and the Mt. Kenya potto species whose fragile populations depend on intact forest ecosystems.
“We organized this event to raise awareness because there are primates that are going extinct that we don’t know about. Some of these primates include the Eastern Patas monkey, whose population is declining, and the Mt. Kenya potto,” said Pakston Mgamangi, a research assistant at KIPRE.
Beyond the ecological focus, the friendly football match blended environmental education with community engagement, with conservation leaders advocating for peaceful human–monkey coexistence and sustainable habitat management.
“We have used football as a way to raise awareness in the surrounding communities and engage them on how to conserve and protect primates, because most of them did not know the importance of monkeys and other primates,” said Dr. Stanislas Kivai, a primate researcher at KIPRE.
Conservation stakeholders have also called for unity in addressing the critical challenges facing primates in Kenya, especially through pooling resources and ideas to provide sustainable solutions.
“We need to work together. Both the government, private researchers, and communities to ensure the sustainability of programs initiated by different partners. That is why this year we deliberately engaged the community, especially the youth, through sports to promote primate conservation in the region,” said Dr. Danson Mwangi, Director of Partnerships at KIPRE.
As an alternative solution to the increasing threats to primates, experts have suggested the use of artificial intelligence in collecting data within conservancies to improve accuracy, reduce human interference, and cut costs.
One of the endangered primate species in Kenya is the colobus monkey, which is found only in Kwale County within Shimba Hills National Park. According to primate experts, the Angolan black-and-white colobus is currently found only in Kwale County worldwide, highlighting the urgent need to protect the species from both natural and human-induced threats.
“The major challenge we face in primate protection and habitat restoration in Kwale County is human activity. We can be builders or destroyers. When we work hand in hand, we can either save or destroy them. Here in Kwale, people cut down trees to build houses, which affects their habitat. Another danger is electrocution from nearby power lines and road traffic accidents when the animals cross roads in search of food,” said Josephine Wekesa, a colobus conservation researcher.
Urbanization has significantly contributed to the decline in the population of black-and-white Angolan colobus monkeys. According to conservationists, there is an urgent need to create public awareness to discourage viewing primates as food, which fuels hunting and further threatens their survival.
“Our last census of the black-and-white Angolan colobus in October 2025 showed that there are only 550 individuals along the Diani stretch from the Congo River to the Chale highlands, which is very low. This is why we urge stakeholders including government, conservation organizations, and the public, to jointly support the restoration and protection of these precious wildlife species before they become extinct, instead of increasing their numbers to about 1,000,” added Josephine.
At Colobus Conservation in Kwale, the organization is currently working with KWS Shimba Hills on short-term and long-term rehabilitation and health monitoring of wildlife for periods ranging from one week to six months. Some of the animals currently under care include owls, monkeys, lizards, birds, and snakes with various health conditions.
In addition, conservation in Kenya has attracted young female conservationists who have been highly resourceful in research. However, they face several challenges in supporting primate protection and conservation efforts.
“Sometimes we need to apply for funds or grants, but without knowing someone in the institution or organization, the application may not be successful. We also face discrimination in the field, especially as females. Some male counterparts do not take us seriously when we talk about conservation,” said Pauline Otoli, an environmental researcher at KIPRE.
However, Dr. Stanislas Kivai has challenged conservation organizations in Kenya, partner institutions, stakeholders, and scientists to support and mentor young researchers to preserve biodiversity and transform conservation culture for the next generation.
“We need to support young scientists by listening to their ideas keenly, especially young women, to encourage them and prepare the next generation. That is why we have started involving young boys and girls through sports so that while playing matches, they talk about primate conservation and biodiversity, because the future depends on the youth,” said Dr. Kivai.
Furthermore, threats such as habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, climate change, and shrinking forest cover continue to accelerate primate decline. Conservationists have urged continued collaboration among government agencies, local communities, NGOs, and international partners to secure funding, strengthen habitat protection, and increase public awareness.
Researchers believe that with increased awareness, stronger community involvement, and strategic conservation planning, there is hope that Kenya’s rich primate heritage will thrive for generations to come.
