President William Ruto on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, presided over the graduation of over 1,200 Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers and assistant wardens in a ceremony done at the Kenya Law Enforcement Academy in Manyani, Taita Taveta County.
In a statement, Ruto commended KWS for digitizing its revenue collection, noting that the service was able to foot up to 87 per cent of its budget.
“We commend the Kenya Wildlife Service for digitising its services, resulting in an increase in revenue covering up to 87% of its budget. This has facilitated investments in initiatives to enhance service delivery, including acquiring 98 service vehicles. We urge the board to accelerate efforts towards achieving financial self-sustainability within two years,” Ruto said.
The pass-out was the culmination of a six-month training of the more than 1,200 recruits who were absorbed into the service in April 2024.
KWS largest cohort
In a statement, the service also indicated that this was the largest cohort since the institution was formed 35 years ago.
KWS indicated that they were delighted that some of the rangers who graduated after six months of intense and rigorous training were as young as 18 years of age, and were looking at a career of 42 years ahead until retirement.
“Today marks a historic milestone for the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) as we celebrate the passing-out parade of 1,274 ranger recruits, the largest single cohort in the 35-year history of the Service,” the service said.
Adding: “Among them are our youngest recruits, only 18 years old, who, with God’s blessing, stand poised to dedicate the next 42 years to safeguarding Kenya’s rich biodiversity. A diverse and dynamic group that reflects our commitment to fostering inclusivity as we strive to implement KWS’s 2024-2028 strategic plan to strengthen our collective resolve to protect wildlife and preserve our heritage.”
Rigorous training
The training for KWS rangers is usually conducted at the Kenya Law Enforcement Academy in Manyani in the Tsavo-West National Park in Taita-Taveta County.
Before the establishment of their own training school, KWS officers were trained alongside military officers in Gilgil at the Kenya Armed Forces College.
KWS indicated that they were proud of the young men and women for showing resilience and determination in the wake of evolving threats to the existence of wildlife.
“Their energy, resilience, and determination come at a critical time when the future of Kenya’s wildlife faces increasing challenges. These rangers embody the hope and strength of a new generation, ready to take up the mantle of conservation with vigour,” the service noted.
