By Peter K'opiyo

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has in an aim to combat the human-wildlife conflicts transferred two elephants from the Rumuruti Forest in Laikipia county, to the Tsavo West National Park in Taita Taveta County.

By Zuleikha Salim

Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Sports and Youth Affairs Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen, has urged young people to use effective methods to solve the challenges they face, such as seeking appropriate advice instead of ineffective methods such as suicide and murder.

By Peter K'opiyo 

Security has been beefed up after a suspected militia attack in Laffey Sub-county in Mandera County.

By Peter K'opiyo

Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki toured Western Kenya over the weekend, in a bid to build strong associations between the national and county governments in order to drive the Kenya Kwanza development agenda.

By Peter K'opiyo

The Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA) on Friday launched its 2024 - 2028 strategic plan in a colourful ceremony presided over by Water and Sanitation CS, Erick Mugaa.

By Peter K'opiyo 

Kisumu County governor Prof. Peter Anyang' Nyongo on Friday led a host of leaders, county staff and locals in the burial ceremony of former Kisumu County Public Service Board chairperson, Charles Babu Karan.

By Zuleikha Salim

The Crime Journalists Association of Kenya (CJAK) has expressed reservations over the rising cases of harassment, violence, and threats against journalists by police officers, on the backdrop of the latest incident at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters, in Nairobi.

By Zuleikha Salim

Deputy President (DP) Prof. Abraham Kithure Kindiki has expressed government’s commitment to ensuring that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) operates independently while fulfilling its mandate.

He emphasized that safeguarding the ODPP’s autonomy is critical, in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the justice system.

Speaking during the launch of the ODPP Strategic Plan 2023–2027 on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, Kindiki emphasized the importance of protecting the independence of the ODPP.

“I want to endorse this strategic plan by the ODPP and commit of the government’s full support of its implementation,” said the former Interior Cabinet Secretary.

According to the second in command, the success of institutions like the ODPP relies on collaboration with other arms of government.

“No institution can operate effectively in isolation, highlighting the need for coordinated efforts to ensure justice, strengthen governance, and deliver on shared objectives. Such partnerships are essential to addressing systemic challenges and enhance the overall efficiency of the justice system,” he added.

He stated that decisions regarding prosecutions, including those on cases to pursue or terminate, should be free from interference by any external authority.

“The executive is committed to providing the necessary resources and funding to ensure not only the enhancement but also the safeguarding of the independence of offices and institutions,” he emphasized.

Kindiki highlighted that the ODPP’s operational, administrative and financial independence is vital for its effectiveness.

He also challenged the ODPP to address its shortcomings and enhance its role in strengthening the legal sector in Kenya.

By Peter K'opiyo 

President William Ruto today commended the Kenya Wildlife Service for its great achievements in wildlife and environment conservation, digitization of services as well as financial sustainability.

While speaking in Taita Taveta County during the pass-out parade of KWS recruits, the president opined that the positive trajectory meant the service was on a growing trend.

Among the significant achievements the C-i-C celebrated included a fleet of 98 vehicles for ranger force modernisation, which he attributed to the digitization of services and revenue growth. 

“This remarkable growth underscores the power of technology in enhancing public service delivery,” he stated urging the KWS management to keep it up so as to realize a full financial self-sufficiency in the next two years. 

Moreover, President Ruto also acknowledged KWS conservation achievements, highlighting zero rhino poaching cases in 2020 and the country’s thriving wildlife populations that put Kenya among countries with the highest wildlife in the continent . 

“Today, Kenya proudly hosts Africa’s third-largest rhino population at 2,004 and the fourth-largest elephant population at 37,000,” he asserted, attributing these successes to robust anti-poaching efforts and collaborative conservation initiatives put in place by the KWS in partnership with local communities and other organizations.

Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Widlife, Hon.Rebecca Miano hailed the recruits as champions of national heritage further celebrating the ladies whom she said did set a record never seen in KWS history.

"This record-breaking cohort, with its strong female representation, exemplifies our commitment to diversity and inclusion in conservation. Our aim is to bring on board as many young women to the wildlife conservation space as possible given that by nature, women are born and wired to nurture and groom,” Hon Miano said. 

The event showcased Kenya’s up-to date innovation and resilience in wildlife conservation, especially the deployment of emerging technologies, reaffirming its global leadership in the critical sector.

The ceremony was graced by senior government officials, among them Cabinet Secretaries Opiyo Wandayi(Energy and Petroleum), Salim Mvurya(Investment, Trade and Industry), and Hassan Joho(Mining and Blue Economy), besides Taita-Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime.

By Peter K'opiyo 

President Ruto today presided over the passing-out parade of over 1200 ranger recruits in a ceremony held at the Kenya Wildlife Service Enforcement Academy in Manyani, Taita Taveta.

The  Head of State commended the significantly high numbers of rangers during the pass-out parade adding that it is one of a kind.

"This day is particularly significant as the KWS marks a milestone in the progress of our national wildlife conservation efforts, with the passing out of 1,274 rangers representing the first recruitment of this kind in a decade," stated the president.

He further added that the rigorous training had empowered, equipped and prepared the freshmen and women to protect the nation's wild spaces, ecosystems and  communities.

Describing them as green warriors, president Ruto urged them to stand up, protect and revitalise the environment and safeguard Kenya's wildlife heritage. 

Wildlife contributes a remarkable 10% of Kenya's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) making its conservation a cornerstone of Kenya's Socio-economic prosperity. 

Addressing human-wildlife co-existance, the president firmly stated that ksh.1.1 billion had been disbursed to affected persons or their families for compensation.

"This financial year (2024/2025), ksh 1.1 billion is already being disbursed. To enhance efficiency, we have introduced a digital fund administration system for timely compensation of human-wildlife conflict victims," declared Dr. Ruto terming it a major boost to realization of the digital superhighway project.

Furthermore, president Ruto applauded the Kenya Wildlife Service for a vicious war against poaching appreciating the fact that in 2020 the country did not record any cases of rhino poaching.

The efforts,  he added was the reason behing significant numbers of rhinos and elephants in the continent.

"Today, Kenya proudly boasts Africa's third-largest rhino population with 2,004 rhinos and fourth-largest elephant population 37,000 elephants. KWS deserves our collective appreciation for fighting tirelessly for our wildlife heritage."

The Commander-in-Chief  urged all Kenyans to join hands so as to ensure Kenya remains a beacon of excellence in conservation where both widlife and mankind mutually benefit from one another.

On her part, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Widlife, Rebecca Miano noted that the service had recorded the highest number of ladies  in the past  rangers recruitment.

"Your excellency, this passing out parade has the highest percentage of ladies ever in the history of Kenya's ranger recruitment," Miano averred.

She further stated that both her Principal Secretary and her were ladies, hence the increase of ladies during the recruitment placed ladies at the helm of wildlife and environmental conservation. 

The Principal Secretary for State Department for Wildlife is Silvia Museria Kihoro.

Nevertheless, CS Miano affirmed that the Kenya Wildlife Service Enforcement Academy had what it takes to a world-class training institute of choice for conservationists further stating that training should also involve climate change, storytelling and photography.

"Our ultimate aim is to make this a premier wildlife conservation-training institute offering what only Kenya as a conservation giant can," said the CS.

The historic cohort of 1,274 new rangers drawn from all the 47 counties, comprising of 1,031 men and 243 women is the largest single group of ranger recruits in the 35-years history of the Kenya Wildlife Service.

By Lameck Baraza

Busia Chief Officer for Agriculture, Timothy Odende, who hails from Gem constituency in Siaya County, has pledged to sponsor 300 needy and bright students in Gem.

By Daniel Dembede

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is celebrating five decades of pioneering research and partnerships, dedicated to transforming livestock systems for better lives and a better planet.

As a leader in livestock research, ILRI has consistently advanced sustainable solutions for food security, climate resilience, and environmental health.

ILRI was established on 21 September 1994 as an international not-for-profit livestock research organization by an Establishing Agreement signed by the Governments of Kenya, Ethiopia, Denmark, Sweden, the Swiss Confederation, and the United Nations Environment Program.

Headquartered in Nairobi, ILRI is co-hosted by the Government of Ethiopia, with agreements signed by both Kenya and Ethiopia in 1994 and 1995, respectively.

Dr. Andrew Karanja, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, in his opening remarks at the anniversary celebrations, emphasized that the 50th anniversary is not just a celebration of ILRI’s achievements but also a moment to reflect on its enduring partnership with Kenya.

“ILRI’s presence in Kenya has been more than just physical; it has been deeply impactful. From the establishment of its headquarters in Nairobi, ILRI has worked alongside the Kenyan government, local organizations, and farmers to address some of the most pressing challenges in agriculture,” he said.

He noted that ILRI’s research has had significant impacts on livestock systems in Kenya, improving genetics, disease management, and feeding practices.

“Research is at the heart of progress,” Dr. Karanja said. “ILRI’s ability to combine global expertise with local understanding has made it an invaluable asset to Kenya. Through collaboration, we can unlock even greater potential for the livestock sector and agriculture as a whole.”

He said the remains committed to strengthening the partnership, noting that ILRI’s 2024-2030 strategy aligns with Kenya's Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy (ASTGS).

Appolinaire Djikeng, ILRI's Director General, explained that the 50th anniversary is a moment to reflect on the institute’s journey, defined by partnership, innovation, and a commitment to improving lives through livestock.

“Today is not only a day to celebrate our collective successes, but also to envision a future where we continue to promote collective action to transform food systems and build inclusive and sustainable resilience through livestock.”

Djikeng noted that ILRI’s innovations have benefited millions of smallholder farmers worldwide, from developing vaccines for diseases like East Coast Fever to improving livestock breeds for climate-vulnerable regions.

The institute has also focused on empowering women, who play a critical role in managing livestock and ensuring that solutions are accessible to them.