By KPC Reporter
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has received a boost in its anti-poaching and conservation efforts after securing a donation of five Land Cruisers and drones.
The support came from WildLandscapes International and Re:wild, with support from Tsavo Trust.
The vehicles are expected to strengthen ranger patrols, enhance mobility across rugged terrains, and improve intelligence-led conservation operations.
KWS Director General, Professor Erustus Kanga, welcomed the support, noting it comes at a time when the agency is transforming its operational capacity.
“When I first took office, one of our biggest challenges was the acute shortage of operational vehicles — rangers often had to patrol vast areas on foot,” he said
“Two years down the line, however, we have turned a corner. Through internally generated revenue and partner support, we have acquired over 90 new Land Cruisers.”
He added: “Slowly but surely, we are building a stronger, more mobile KWS — one that can meet the demands of modern conservation.
The DG added that the new fleet will have an immediate impact in the Tsavo Conservation Area, one of Kenya’s last strongholds of black rhinos and elephants.
“For our rangers, these vehicles mean quicker patrols in the rugged terrains of Tsavo, faster response to threats, and better protection for our rhinos, elephants, and other endangered species,” he said.
“For Kenyans, they mean stronger tourism, healthier ecosystems, and sustainable livelihoods.”
The donations align with the KWS Strategic Plan 2024–2028, which prioritises wildlife security, modern technologies, and expanded monitoring of endangered species.
They also support the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which identifies conservation as both a biodiversity safeguard and a driver of sustainable tourism, jobs, and community livelihoods.
David, CEO and Founder of WildLandscapes International, praised the collaboration, describing KWS as Africa’s premier wildlife agency.
“Kenya Wildlife Service is widely regarded as a model of conservation success that inspires neighbours across the continent and beyond. Tsavo, with its vast wilderness and thriving populations of elephants, lions, wild dogs, and rhinos, is second to none. Under the leadership of Prof Kanga and the KWS Board, Kenya is telling a new story — one of hope and resilience for endangered species,” he said.