MARSABIT— Marsabit County on Friday joined the world in celebrating World Ranger Day at the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Headquarters in Marsabit town.
Presiding over the event at Ahmeds Gate, Marsabit County Deputy Commissioner Mathew Wambugu urged residents to take part in environmental conservation and wildlife protection.
He said communities should be sensitized on the importance of conserving the environment to boost tourism.
Wambugu also called on wildlife officers to work closely with other security agencies to strengthen security in game reserves and ensure tourist safety.
He noted that improved security in Marsabit has contributed greatly to the increase in visitors to Marsabit National Park and other tourist sites.
He described peace and security as key pillars for growing tourism and driving economic development in the region.
Wambugu commended the collaboration between security agencies, KWS, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and other conservation stakeholders, saying it has played a major role in protecting wildlife, forests and other natural resources.
He said the partnership has enhanced protection of conservation areas, reduced poaching and deforestation, and built tourist confidence in visiting Marsabit.
However, he cited challenges in parks and forests such as outdated technology, and called for the adoption of modern technology in conservation.
He added that KWS will also engage community elders to find ways of providing livestock feed to prevent destruction of wildlife habitats.
Marsabit County Forest Conservator Kennedy Iriungu said pasture conditions in many parts of the county have improved following recent rains, with adequate grass available outside forests and wildlife reserves.
He said herders therefore have no reason to take livestock into protected areas.
Iriungu warned that grazing in protected areas destroys the environment, degrades natural vegetation and increases human-wildlife conflict. He noted it is also a violation of forest and wildlife conservation laws.
He said KFS, working with KWS, security officers and local leaders, will continue to intensify patrols in forests and protected areas to ensure compliance and safeguard natural resources.
He cautioned herders against grazing in forests and reserves, saying anyone found violating the law will face stern legal action.
Iriungu further urged communities to support government efforts in protecting forests and the environment, saying sustainable forest conservation is critical for protecting water sources, mitigating climate change, and securing resources for current and future generations.
During the event, it was also revealed that the process of compensating Marsabit residents affected by human-wildlife conflict is ongoing.
According to KWS, a total of 1,102 claims have been submitted at the Marsabit office and are being verified to establish the actual loss incurred by each claimant.
Marsabit National Park Deputy Warden Gilbert Njeru said the government is committed to ensuring all eligible residents receive compensation on time once verification is complete.
He said KWS officers are carefully reviewing each claim to ensure transparency, fairness and equity in line with set procedures, and asked affected residents to be patient as the process continues.
World Ranger Day is marked globally every year on July 31 to honor the vital work of park rangers in protecting nature and to remember those who have been injured or killed in the line of duty.
This year’s theme is “Rangers: Guardians of a Changing Planet.”
