Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has launched the review of the Wildlife Research and Training (WRTI) Strategic Plan 2023-27 that will shape the future of wildlife conservation in the country.
Miano said that the Strategic Plan has culminated from the review of the inaugural Strategic Plan (2022-27) and will provide the impetus for the efficient execution of the Institute’s mandate.
“The first Strategic Plan provided the foundation to set up structures, systems, processes and strategic focus and the necessary infrastructure to kick-start execution of the mandate after the operationalisation of the Institute in July 2020,” Miano said.
She made the remarks during the launch of the Strategic Plan 2023/2027 at the Wildlife Research and Training Institute headquarters in Naivasha, Nakuru county on Wednesday. I
In attendance were the Principal Secretary, the State Department for Wildlife, Silvia Museiya, Chair of Board of the Institute, Dr. David Nkedianye, and Institute Director Patrick Omondi.
The CS also launched the first National Wildlife Training Agenda 2024-33 that was developed by WRTI and will be implemented within the reviewed Strategic Plan.
“Both documents are not just administrative blueprints but represent a forward-looking vision for the conservation of our national heritage and a robust roadmap for Kenya’s leadership in wildlife research and training,” she said.
The ministry boss noted that the documents are firmly anchored in the sound principles of public participation.
“I am informed the development process involved extensive consultations with internal and external stakeholders culminating in stakeholder validation workshops. The reviewed Strategic plan is providing leadership and coordination in wildlife research and the provision of scientific data and information,” Miano said.
She added: “Under this goal, clear strategies aimed at bridging the science-management-policy nexus have been articulated. These include periodic synthesis and drafting of policy briefs and management reports to ensure wildlife and their habitats are sustainably conserved and managed through evidence-based decision-making processes as envisaged in the National Wildlife Strategy 2030.”
She emphasised that the implementation of the National Wildlife Research Agenda 2023-27 which was developed through a consultative and participatory approach, will refocus wildlife research in the country to ensure it is responsive to the needs of the country.