KWS DIRECTOR PROF ERUSTUS KANGA URGES RESIDENTS TO PROTECT ENDANGERED 25,000-HA OF SHIMBA HILLS ECOSYSTEM

Kenya Wildlife service Director general Prof Erustus Kanga issuing a speech at Kwale County

By Erick Wanjala

The Chairman Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Walter Koipaton and Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has sounded an alarm over the rapid destruction of a 25,000-hectare of Shimba Hills forest that is now on the brink of extinction, calling on local residents to take urgent action in conserving and protecting the endangered ecosystem.

Speaking during a the event in Kwale County where the deputy governor H.E. Chirema Kombo was present , the director general warned that unchecked logging, charcoal burning, and encroachment for farming have pushed the once-thriving forest to the edge. He noted that the loss of the forest would not only threaten wildlife habitats but also expose surrounding communities to the effects of climate change, including droughts, water shortages, and soil erosion.

“This forest is a national heritage. It is the source of rivers, home to wildlife, and a critical carbon sink. If we continue destroying it, we are risking our own survival,” said the DG Prof Kanga

The DG Prof Erustus appealed to residents, local leaders, and conservation groups to collaborate in reforestation programs, sustainable land use, and community-driven forest patrols. He also emphasized that KWS will intensify enforcement measures against illegal logging and poaching activities within the forest.

Community elders and youth groups present at the forum pledged to support conservation initiatives, saying they were ready to work with KWS to restore the forest to its original state.

Environmental experts have consistently warned that Kenya loses thousands of hectares of forest cover annually, undermining the country’s efforts to combat climate change. The protection of the 25,000-hectare forest, they argue, could serve as a model for community-driven conservation.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), alongside conservation partners, officially launched the Shimba Hills Ecosystem Management Plan (2023–2033) at its Kwale County regional office. Gazetted in November 2024, the Plan is the result of four years of research and stakeholder collaboration. It is designed to guide sustainable conservation while aligning with Kenya’s Vision 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Comments

DETERMINED KAJIADO NORTH FEMALE MCA POISED TO MAKE HISTORY IN MALE DOMINATED MEMBER OF COUNTY ASSEMBLY RACE

Kajiado county Opinion leader and Ololua ward incoming MCA Madam Susan Mbandi A wave of political change is sweeping through Kajiado North Constituency as a respected management professional emerges as a strong contender for the Ololua ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) seat, with growing public support and intelligence reports indicating she could become the first woman ever elected in the traditionally male-dominated constituency and Kajiado county at Large. Madam Susan Mbandi MCA aspirant, whose background in management and community leadership has earned her admiration across various sectors, has steadily built a reputation as a results-oriented leader focused on accountability, youth empowerment, and economic transformation. For decades, the natives Ololua ward’s political landscape has largely been controlled by male politicians, with many women facing cultural barriers, limited financial backing, and societal stereotypes whenever they attempted to vie f...

ANCOFF THE COFFEE BRAND SHAKING AND SHAPING UP THE INDUSTRY.

From right is Mr Billy Otieno owner AnCoff receiving best brand award from Mr Ndung'u Nyoro ,holding the photo from the left is Grace Njaramba a dedicated team player at AnCoff's. By Erick Wanjala AnCoff a new coffee brand launched by a young entrepreneur Mr Billy Otieno is rapidly rising to prominence, earning recognition alongside established giants in the sector. The brand, introduced less than two years ago, has become a household name among coffee lovers for its unique blends, rich aroma, and focus on quality sourcing from local farmers and samples from the international market. Industry experts say its meteoric growth is reshaping the market and offering healthy ground to the coffee trailblazers. Speaking during the East Africa Best Brand Award, Billy the founder attributed it's success to a commitment on innovation and authenticity. “Our mission is simple — to create coffee that tells the story of our farmers while giving customers an unmatched...

WILL WAKILI SHADRACK WAMBUI KAJIADO NORTH CONSTITUENCY MP ASPIRANT YOUTH CENTRIC POLITICS REDEFINE KAJIADO COUNTY AND KAJIADO NORTH CONSTITUENCY POLITICS ?

Photo Caption; High Court Lawyer Shadrack Wambui. By Erick Wanjala In Kajiado county's evolving political landscape, a new breed of aspirants is quietly but effectively reshaping the path to leadership by investing heavily in youth-focused programs. A case study is one by Wakili Shadrack Wambui Kajiado North Constituency mp aspirants, Who through his Sheria mtaani advocacy on the land rate issue and Boxing has pulled the Ololua ward especially EmbulBul Area and Rongai Ward where a pool of voters come from whom are believed to form his strong support base for Wakili to potentially unseat the current leader come 2027 election cycle . Across several constituencies in Kajiado county Wakili Shadrack has gained remarkable traction among young people through consistent engagement—organizing sheria mtaani mentorship forums, Boxing tournaments, digital skills training, empowerment drives and food drive for the elderly. While such initiatives may ap...

TIMES

Search This Blog