A Kenyan has been accorded the Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa by the Duke of Cambridge, Prince William.
John Kamanga was among the three finalists alongside George Owoyesigire (Uganda) and Ian Stevenson (Zambia).
"Thank you to all the three for the hard work that you do. All three of you will receive recognition for all you have done. However, there is only one winner," the prince told the nominees on video call as he announced Kamanga's win.
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Kamanga will now get USD75,000, approximately Ksh8.3 million which he will use to support wildlife activities in Kenya.
Prince William hoped that the nominees would showcase their wonderful talent and hard work across the globe.
“I hope their stories go far and wide. That people feel inspired and young people look to these role models and say 'I can do the same, I want to be involved and I care as much as they do too," he stated.
Kamanga expressed gratitude for clinching the award, vowing that he would continue to promote the safeguarding of wildlife.
"I am grateful that I have come this far. We have people out in the world who are watching and the little things that we do, come to be appreciated and that the effort that we are making, saves our wildlife and world space," Kamanga stated.
Kamanga is the Founder and Director of South Rift Association of Land Owners (SORALO), a unique organisation representing 16 Maasai communities living across the country.
The Tusk Conservation Awards, in partnership with Ninety-One, celebrate African-based conservation leaders and wildlife rangers, and their significant impact in the field.
“This award, which means a great deal to me, plays a huge part in our mission to preserve Africa’s precious wildlife for its people.
"It is vital that we recognize the dedication of these unsung heroes and the bravery of rangers risking their lives, day and night, on conservation’s frontline," the prince stated.
