Kenya says it will be allocating Ksh 400 million shillings annually towards rhino conservation.
This is aimed at achieving an average growth rate of 5 percent.
Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Najib Balala, said the funds will support the recruitment of rangers and the acquisition of surveillance technology to enhance the protection of the endangered species.
“Kenya is committed to reducing the mortality of rhinos and sustain gains that have been achieved to secure its future. We plan to mobilize 400 million shillings annually to recruit additional rangers to patrol rhino habitats and procure surveillance technology required to stamp out poaching,” Balala said during the World Rhino Day.
According to the Ministry, poaching has been managed over the last three years with cases being less than 1 percent. “Only 4 rhinos were poached – 1 black and 3 white- in 2019 while in 2020 there has been no poaching case reported,” said Balala, “This is owing to the enhanced security measures applied to safeguard the species.”
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) data, in 2019, 104 new births were reported. By September this year, 45 new births were reported (26 black & 19 white).
Balala also indicated that other initiatives they are committed to secure the future of the species include biological management to enhance the rhino population and more space.
Globally, Kenya hosts the last remaining 2 Northern White rhinos, Najin and Fatu.
READ
