Poaching depleting revenue, says CS Environment and Natural Resources CS Wakhungu

The CS for Environment and Natural Resources, Prof Judi Wakhungu, has said the illegal killing of wild animals, especially the elephant and the rhino, has resulted in a drop in revenue from park entry fees and endangered the lives of rangers protecting wildlife.

“With the decline in tourism visitation to the country, KWS is witnessing a substantial drop in its revenue from the park entries,” said Wakhungu yesterday.

Prof Judi Wakhungu at the showroom of the inventoried ivory. (PHOTO: COURTESY)

The CS was speaking in Voi town, Taita-Taveta County during celebrations to mark the World Rangers day.

Present at the function were the County Commissioner, Mr Oningoi Ole Sosio, Tsavo National Park Assistant Director Robert Obrein, County Executive Committee member in-charge of Tourism Alexander Mwangeka among senior KWS officials.

Kenya celebrated the day for the first time, which commemorates rangers killed or injured in the line of duty, and celebrates the work rangers do to protect natural and cultural treasures.

“The ranger is put under pressure as the Government works towards implementation of the Wildlife Act that requires finalising the drafting of guidelines and regulations,” said Prof Wakhungu.