(Nairobi) – Kenya has rolled out an advanced tracking system to monitor black rhinos at Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary in Tsavo West, a major step toward strengthening conservation efforts for this endangered species. The initiative, which combines ear-notching with real-time surveillance, is intended to curb poaching and improve the well-being of the rhino population.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano led the launch of the program, which is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). The project will track the movements and health of 178 black rhinos within the Tsavo West Conservation Area using high-tech tracking devices.
Ngulia Sanctuary is home to approximately 90% of the world’s remaining southern black rhinos, a population that has grown dramatically over the past 40 years. Miano emphasized the importance of the sanctuary’s role, noting that it has increased its rhino population from just three to more than 100 individuals. She highlighted Kenya’s status as a global leader in wildlife conservation, noting, “Kenya is a custodian of 90% of southern black rhinos.”
The new tracking system includes ear-notches and VHF transmitters, which allow KWS teams to monitor each rhino’s movements every hour. This real-time data collection is crucial for anti-poaching efforts and improving animal care. Additionally, the use of a long-range network device provides valuable insights into the rhinos’ health and movements from both aerial and ground patrols. KWS Director General Erastus Kanga explained that the tracking technology provides a full year’s worth of data, aiding conservationists in responding quickly to any threats.
The initiative is not only a significant advancement in wildlife conservation but also a costly venture, with the entire exercise estimated to cost approximately Sh4 million, funded by the government and supported by KWS partners. To symbolize the government’s commitment, the rhino tagged during the launch was named “CS Madam Miano” in honor of the Cabinet Secretary, who has adopted it.
In a bid to encourage further support for wildlife conservation, Kanga called on both the public and private sectors to adopt rhinos as part of the national “Tuza Mali yako” (Take care of your wealth) campaign. This initiative aims to raise awareness and secure financial backing for the protection of endangered species. “We are asking executives in both private and public sectors to come in and adopt critically endangered animals to help with their conservation,” Kanga stated.
In addition to the rhino conservation efforts, Miano emphasized the government’s commitment to compensating communities affected by wildlife-related incidents. Recognizing the ongoing challenge of human-wildlife conflict, the Cabinet Secretary reiterated the importance of addressing these issues in a manner that balances conservation goals with community needs.
President Dr. William Ruto recently relaunched this initiative in Rumuruti, where he oversaw compensations for communities impacted by wildlife, reinforcing the government’s focus on mitigating human-wildlife conflict. The ministry has also introduced County Wildlife Compensation Committees (CWCCs), which are tasked with evaluating and processing claims related to wildlife damages.
“The government is committed to compensating as quickly as possible and is actively seeking funds to address the backlog,” Miano said. She emphasized that conservation efforts align with the broader goal of strengthening Kenya’s wildlife economy, which is a key component of the tourism industry.
Miano also underscored that the Kenya Kwanza administration is focused on increasing wildlife populations and ensuring sustainability for future generations, recognizing that Kenya’s iconic species are central to the country’s cultural and economic identity.