President William Ruto has said that the newly graduated Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Rangers are guardians of Kenya’s natural wealth.
Speaking in Manyani during their passing-out parade, the President said they are also custodians of Kenya’s national heritage.
He encouraged the 1,274 new rangers to carry out their duties with courage and patriotism.
“Always remember that you are the guardians of Kenya’s natural wealth, custodians of our national heritage and stewards of our shared responsibility to future generations. I urge you to carry out your duties with dedication, courage and patriotism,” Ruto said.
He went on to say that as they build their professions, they must do so boldly and in transformative ways to inspire the coming generations.
Ruto insisted that they must be guided by wisdom and always strive to do things that will always be remembered by those who will come after them.
“As you build your careers marked by heroic achievements strive to perform bold, imaginative and transformative deeds that will inspire many in this generation and the generations to come," he said.
“Let wisdom guide you that this earth and nation are not ours alone. They are a cherished legacy passed down from generations past and trusted to us to safeguard for those yet to come. In our time, let us commit to acts that will secure an honourable in annuls of history.”
The President called on all stakeholders to unite to see that Kenya continues to be top in conservation worldwide.
“All of us, government, communities and partners have a duty to work in dynamic and effective partnerships to ensure Kenya remains a global beacon of excellence in conservation where people and wildlife flourish side by side and development benefits all of us.”
Ruto noted that Kenya’s anti-poaching efforts have yielded remarkable success and breathed new life into species once on the brink of extinction.
He added that in 2020, Kenya recorded zero rhino poaching cases, a landmark achievement after years of battling corrupt and vicious criminal syndicates.
“Today, Kenya proudly boasts Africa’s third-largest rhino population, with 2,004 rhinos, and the fourth-largest elephant population, with 37,000 elephants. These figures are not just statistics - they are a testament to hope, hard work, and collective action in safeguarding our natural heritage.
“KWS deserves our collective appreciation for fighting tirelessly for our wildlife heritage.”
