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Tag: Sera Conservancy

  • CS Miano leads World Rhino Day celebrations at Sera Conservancy

    CS Miano leads World Rhino Day celebrations at Sera Conservancy

    Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano Sunday led the country in commemorating World Rhino Day at Sera Conservancy in Samburu East.

    The celebrations highlighted the critical role that local communities play in wildlife conservation, with a special focus on protecting rhinos.

    In her address, CS Miano applauded the Samburu East community for their continued commitment to safeguarding the wildlife they live alongside.

    “The people of Samburu East have demonstrated remarkable dedication in conserving the rich biodiversity of this region. Your efforts in ensuring peaceful coexistence with wildlife, especially rhinos, is commendable,” she said.

    The Cabinet Secretary underscored the government’s commitment to further supporting local conservancies.

    “We recognize the challenges conservancies face, particularly in terms of infrastructure. As part of our broader strategy, the government is dedicated to constructing roads that will facilitate your important work and improve accessibility for tourists and conservation workers alike,” she stated.

    CS Miano also announced plans to build lodges in the area to create additional revenue streams for the surrounding communities.

    In response to recent challenges faced by residents, CS Miano reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the water shortage crisis in Samburu East.

    As part of immediate relief, she provided water tanks to the community and reaffirmed the administration’s pledge to drill boreholes to provide a long-term solution.

    “We are taking action to ensure water availability in this region, and I assure you that we will continue to work on sustainable solutions,” she said.

    CS Miano further announced that the government will soon return to launch a compensation fund for residents affected by human-wildlife conflicts.

    Additionally, she revealed that 27 slots have been allocated to Samburu residents in the upcoming ranger pass-out at the KWS Law Enforcement Academy in Manyani, emphasizing the government’s focus on increasing employment opportunities for the youth in conservation efforts.

    The CS also delivered a special message from President William Ruto, who sent his warm regards to the people of Samburu East.

    She reiterated the President’s commitment to conservation and community development.

  • Rhino Day: Kenya’s population thrives amid global conservation efforts

    Rhino Day: Kenya’s population thrives amid global conservation efforts

    Kenya will join the global community in celebrating International Rhino Day on Sunday, with an event set to take place at the Sera Conservancy in Samburu County.

    The celebration presided over by the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, aims to raise awareness about the importance of rhino conservation.

    International Rhino Day, first observed in 2011, is a global event that highlights the need to protect the five species of rhinoceros: the black rhino, white rhino, greater one-horned rhino, Javan rhino, and Sumatran rhino.

    The day serves as a platform for conservationists, governments, and wildlife enthusiasts to unite in addressing the critical threats rhinos face, such as poaching, habitat loss, and illegal wildlife trade.

    Kenya has a special reason to celebrate this year, with its rhino population showing signs of growth.

    Thanks to collaborative efforts between the government and conservation partners, rhino security and protection have been intensified, leading to increased population numbers for both the black and white rhino species.

    Kenya is also home to the only two remaining northern white rhinos in the world, Najin and Fatu, who reside in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

    Unfortunately, these northern white rhinos are considered functionally extinct, as they cannot reproduce, and efforts to save the species now rely on genetic preservation.

    Rhino conservation in Kenya has been a notable success, largely due to comprehensive strategies that include anti-poaching measures, habitat restoration, and translocation programs.

    The country’s Rhino Recovery Action Plan, now in its seventh edition (2022-2026), continues to drive efforts to stabilize and increase rhino populations across protected areas.

    Adding to the sense of optimism, a baby rhino was born at the Sera Conservancy just a week ago, marking another milestone in Kenya’s rhino conservation journey.

    Sunday’s event will celebrate these achievements while continuing to rally support for rhino conservation efforts to ensure the survival of these majestic animals for future generations.