Kenya Wildlife Research and Training Institute Launches 2023-2027 Strategic Plan – 09/10/2024

Today, 9/10/2024, Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife – Kenya Hon. Rebecca Miano, EGH officially launched the Institute’s Strategic Plan (2023-2027) during a colourful event held at the Institute’s headquarters in Naivasha.

The CS noted that the document was not just an administrative blueprint but represents a forward-looking vision for the conservation of our national heritage and a robust roadmap for Kenya’s leadership in wildlife research and training.

“It is indeed a great honor and privilege for me to be here today to launch this important document that will shape the future of wildlife conservation in our nation. The central role of wildlife research and training in shaping the future of conservation in Kenya cannot be overemphasized. I am happy to note that the Strategic Plan recognize that wildlife research must address conservation challenges and inform policy while conservation education must be responsive to the needs of the sector,” she said.

She emphasized that research and training provide a solid bedrock for building a people centered and sustainable conservation.

“The Strategic Plan being launched today is a blueprint to guide the Institute in providing solutions to the challenges facing wildlife conservation. The bold vision of this plan ‘A globally competitive wildlife research and training centre’ is a reaffirmation of the commitment by the Kenya Kwanza Government and the Ministry in firmly entrenching a science-driven approach to conservation,” she noted.

“This thrusts the Institute to a pole position in coordinating wildlife research and training through innovation, knowledge and technology as espoused in the mission statement. The clear statement of four guiding goals provides a defined strategic direction while the eight core values recognize our individual contribution to its delivery—a committed workforce working together to deliver on the Institute’s mandate,” she added.

The Institute also launched the National Wildlife Training Agenda, which the CS acknowledged was an important document that will build capacity for all stakeholders—from the youth to policymakers—setting the stage for equipping of a skilled workforce to meet both current and future conservation challenges.

“As I conclude, allow me to congratulate the leadership and the entire team of the Institute for this significant milestone. The launch of the Strategic Plan 2023-2027 and the National Wildlife Training Agenda is a testament to your dedication to safeguarding our wildlife heritage. To all our stakeholders—both local and international—I thank you for your support and partnership. It is only through collective action that we can ensure the continued survival of our precious wildlife and, in turn, sustain the ecosystems that support us all,” she said.

The event was attended by National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Tourism & Wildlife Chair Hon Mbiuki ķ and Members, Kenya Wildlife Service Board Chair Gen. (Rtd.) Walter Raria Koipaton, KWS Director General Dr Erastus Kanga, Kenya Utalii College Governing Council Chairman, David Wamatsi among other partners and stakeholders.