Inspector-General of Police Hillary Mutyambai and Kenya Defence Force (KDF) Chief of Staff General Robert Kibochi are among 10 officials who have been appointed honorary wildlife wardens
In a gazette notice released on Friday, February 19, by Tourism CS Najib Balala, the senior police chiefs were appointed to the posts for a period of three years.
Others are Lt Gen. Levi Mghalu, Lt. Gen Walter Koipaton, Major General Francis Ogolla, Major General Jimson Mutai, Wycliffe Ogallo, Matilda Sakwa and Julius Kamau.
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is a state corporation established by an act of parliament to conserve and manage wildlife in Kenya, and to enforce wildlife-related laws.
Section 12 (5) of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act 2013 provides for the appointment of suitable persons to be honorary wardens for the purpose of assisting the Service in carrying out the provisions of this Act.
A previous appointee to the post is Muhoho Kenyatta who is the Executive Chairman of Brookside Dairy.
The honorary wardens are charged with further championing the conservation of Kenya’s flora and fauna, will serve for three years by way of raising awareness on importance of wildlife conservation.
They will be Kenya’s wildlife ambassadors and help raise funds to keep the country’s national parks thriving.
Other duties of an Honorary Warden are subject to each individual’s skills and competencies and shall include but not be limited to wildlife security, problematic animal management, conservation education, community engagement and awareness creation on wildlife conservation.
Additional duties include fundraising for wildlife conservation, fire management in protected areas, wildlife translocation, wildlife census, species and ecosystem monitoring, wildlife utilization management and wildlife veterinary practice.
Anyone can apply to be appointed an honorary warden.
Appointment requirements
Must be a resident of the Conservation Area in which they are applying for Honorary Wardenship;
Must be active in wildlife conservation initiatives within the conservation area;
Must demonstrate the nature of assistance they shall give in carrying into effect the provisions of the Act.
Must be of good conduct
Terms of Appointment
The appointment shall be for a voluntary renewable period of three (3) years subject to satisfactory performance.
