Wildlife Research And Training Institute 20th Graduation Ceremony

The Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) plays an important role in addressing the training gaps in conservation related disciplines such as wildlife, fisheries, environment, tourism and hospitality. Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage, Hon. Peninah Malonza, has said.

Malonza said that she is glad that the Institute has prioritized undertaking the training needs assessment of the conservation sector to review its curricula as part of the implementation of the initiatives in the strategic plan.

Malonza said this today at the Wildlife Research and Training’s Institute 20th graduation ceremony, at the institution’s main campus, Naivasha.

“I note that the Institute is positioning itself to enhance infrastructure and technological capacity through investment in a new classroom block that I have just commissioned and is transitioning to become an e-institution by the adoption of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system in all its operations.  Such investments will not only improve service delivery but also enhance efficiency,” said Malonza.

The CS lauded the Board of the Institute for its leadership and commitment that has enabled the Institute to operate seamlessly in the one-year time span since it was operationalized.

The CS also noted that, despite the importance of the wildlife sector in promoting the socio-economic development nationally, regionally and globally, we are still facing numerous challenges ranging from the impacts of climate change, decreasing land for conservation, human-wildlife conflicts and inadequate financial resources for conservation programs.

“I appeal to all our development partners to chip in and support this Institute in implementing the initiatives identified in its 5-year Strategic Plan,” the CS said.

A total of 383 graduates were awarded with various diplomas (285) and certificates (98) in several courses such as; Nature interpretation and tour administration, Community wildlife management, Aquaculture, Wildlife management, Fisheries and aquatic sciences, Environmental management, and Tourism and hospitality management.

Those present included; Wildlife Secretary State Department for Wildlife, Dr. Erastus Kanga, the institution’s Chair Board-Academic and Training Committee, Prof. Mbarak Abdalla, the Director/CEO, Dr. Patrick Omondi, Director General Kenya Wildlife Service, Brig. (Rtd) John Waweru, Principal/CEO Kenya Utalii College, Prof. Charles Musyoki, Director General Tourism Regulatory Authority, Mr. Norbert Talam, among others.