The state has implemented a high-tech tracking system to monitor black rhinos at Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, aiming to enhance conservation efforts for this endangered species.
Tourism and Wildlife CS Rebecca Miano led the launch of the new initiative, which combines ear-notching and real-time surveillance to curb poaching and ensure the well-being of the threatened rhino population.
The project, managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service, will use advanced tracking devices to monitor the movements and health of 178 black rhinos within the Tsavo West conservation area.
Ngulia Wildlife Sanctuary hosts 90 per cent of the remaining southern black rhinos globally.
Miano emphasised the significance of these efforts and said the sanctuary has grown its rhino population from just three to more than 100 in the past four decades, reflecting Kenya’s role as a global leader in wildlife conservation.
“Kenya is a custodian of 90 per cent of southern black rhinos; 90 per cent of those in the world are found in Kenya. We need Kenyans to know what heritage we hold, conservation is an initiative where no one should be left behind and Kenyans can only participate if we give them the information and we show them what we are doing,” the CS said.
The tracking devices, which include ear-notches and VHF transmitters, allow KWS teams to track each rhino’s movement’s hourly, gathering essential data to enhance anti-poaching efforts and improve animal care.
KWS director general Erastus Kanga said the technology used, including a long-range network device, would provide a year’s worth of detailed tracking information, allowing real-time monitoring from both aerial and ground patrols.
“We have tagged the animals in three ways. We have done earmarks and we put in a number there. The number was I think 130. And we have also put in a transmitter that is a VHF that you can go to locate where the animal is when you are out flying,” Kanga said.
“The third one is a long-range network device that can give us signals every hour of where the animal is and the wellbeing of the animal, and we're able to collect a lot of other information using those devices.”
According to Kanga, the entire exercise is for the most critically endangered animals, especially rhinos, costs about Sh4 million, and is complemented by KWS partners.
As a symbolic gesture, the rhino tagged during the launch was named “CS Madam Miano” in honour of the dedicated CS, who has adopted it.
This highlights the government’s dedication to conservation and calls on the public and private sectors to adopt rhinos as part of the national “Tuza Mali yako” (Take care of your wealth) campaign, encouraging all Kenyans to support wildlife protection.
“Our clarion call is asking our executives both in private and in public to come in and adopt the very many other animals, especially the critically endangered ones we are conserving, so we can all learn together and conserve our heritage,” Kanga said.
She urged Kenyans to join KWS in the ‘Tuza Mali Yako’ initiative and said the heritage the government has given to KWS is the people's heritage, and KWS is there to protect and conserve.
Miano highlighted the government's commitment to compensate communities affected by wildlife-related incidents, acknowledging the ongoing human-wildlife conflict issue.
“We appreciate the communities, and we know many communities have embraced the animals, and they take care of them. But we are also cognisant human-wildlife conflict is real, and that affects our communities,” she said.
President William Ruto recently relaunched this initiative in Rumuruti, where a number of compensations were made, emphasising his administration’s focus on addressing community needs.
The ministry launched the County Wildlife Compensation Committees (CWCCs), responsible for receiving information, evaluating, appraising, and determining whether a claim is payable.
“Compensation is crucial for resolving human-wildlife conflicts. So, after launching the CWCCs, we are now looking for funds and resources to catch up with the backlog,” the CS said.
“Into the future, our resolve and our strategy is to compensate as quickly as possible. In the next week or so, we will be making some compensation in some of the areas,” Miano said.
The CS said conservation efforts align with Kenya’s strategy to strengthen its wildlife economy, a vital component of its tourism industry.
She said Kenya Kwanza administration aims to increase wildlife numbers and ensure sustainability for future generations, recognising Kenya’s iconic species are central to its cultural and economic identity.
