GARISSA, Kenya – As a crucial part of the ongoing National Wildlife Census (2024–2025), the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) has announced the successful completion of the Garissa–Wajir aerial sample survey.
Beginning earlier in June 2025, the exercise concluded on Sunday, June 22, 2025, encompassing 3,662 sample units throughout the vast and ecologically distinctive Garissa and Wajir ecosystem.
Y News understands that key animal management and conservation policies will be greatly influenced by the data gathered, especially in dryland habitats where biodiversity is being impacted more and more by climatic variability and human-wildlife interactions.
“Thanks to the commitment and cooperation of a multidisciplinary team, the survey was carried out with exceptional accuracy and efficiency,” WRTI, a government parastatal with the legal mandate to coordinate and undertake wildlife research and training, said in a statement.
Which role is WRTI playing in the wildlife survey
All along, WRTI, which serves as the data repository for the initiative, described the exercise as an emerging resounding success.
The exercise sought to deliver timely and scientifically reliable data on wildlife trends in Northern Kenya.
By mid-June 2025, preliminary reports from the field highlighted smooth operations and accurate data capture, despite occasional wind and high temperatures, factors that were effectively mitigated by planning flights during early mornings and evenings when wildlife activity peaks.
By then, a total of 2452 sample units had been covered since the start of the exercise.
As flights continued over the arid expanses of Northern Kenya, conservationists expressed optimism: this aerial sample approach was cementing its place as a scientifically robust tool to safeguard Kenya’s wildlife heritage.
In the statement seen by Y News, WRTI extended its gratitude to the pilots, data crew, field survey observers (FSOs, RFOs), technologists, and lead teams, who worked tirelessly to guarantee a smooth and successful exercise.
“We acknowledge the support of the State Department of Wildlife, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Department of Resource Survey and Remote Sensing (DRSRS), and other partners,” the statement further reads.
What the wildlife survey exercise means to Kenya
In particular, WRIT conveyed its appreciation to the Tourism Promotion Fund (TPF) for its financial support to ensure the seamless execution of the exercise.
“As this phase comes to an end, thorough data analysis and validation will be required to provide precise animal population estimates and distribution maps,” WRTI added.
Y News has established that planning is already beginning for the next ecosystem as part of WRTI’s commitment to achieve full national coverage by the conclusion of the 2024/2025 census period.
Following the successful completion of the exercise, the team will head to the neighbouring Mandera County.
