By John Kariuki
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, EGH, has hailed the role of women rangers in conservation, emphasizing their unique ability to nurture and protect nature. Sharing a moment from a recent engagement, she expressed admiration for the remarkable women serving in Kenya’s wildlife sector, describing them as a great resource in conservation.
CS Miano’s remarks came two months after President William Samoei Ruto, officiated the passing-out parade at the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Law Enforcement Academy – Manyani. Hon CS Rebecca Miano EGH in December joined the Head of State in witnessing a historic milestone for Kenya’s conservation efforts.
After a decade-long wait, KWS welcomed a new cohort of 1,274 rangers, whose primary responsibility is protecting Kenya’s iconic wildlife and ensuring the security of communities near national parks. The graduation marks a significant step in strengthening Kenya’s conservation workforce, reinforcing the country’s global leadership in wildlife protection.
Kenya continues to rank among the world's top conservation champions, standing third globally with a population of 2,004 rhinos and fourth with 37,000 elephants. These numbers underscore the country's dedication to safeguarding its rich biodiversity. In further support of conservation, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has allocated KShs 51 million to Taita Taveta County to enhance human-wildlife coexistence—a critical aspect of sustainable conservation efforts.
President Ruto commended KWS for its remarkable achievements, highlighting the record-breaking recruitment of rangers, the acquisition of a modern fleet of 98 vehicles, and the agency’s continued development as a world-class conservation institution. He reiterated the need for strong partnerships between the government, local communities, and conservation stakeholders to create sustainable tourism products that ensure both people and wildlife thrive together.
To conclude the ceremony, President Ruto was honored with the title of Honorary Warden, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to wildlife conservation.
As Kenya continues to lead the way in sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship, CS Rebecca Miano remains a key advocate for empowering women in conservation and fostering partnerships that ensure the protection of Kenya’s natural heritage for future generations.
