NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has reiterated its commitment to expanding black rhino habitats, particularly within the Tsavo and Laikipia ecosystems.
Through the Kenya Rhino Range Expansion (KRRE) Initiative, KWS seeks to address the challenges posed by overcrowded sanctuaries, territorial conflicts, and limited ecological space, resulting in Kenya’s successful rhino conservation efforts.
By creating new, secure habitats, KRRE aims to promote sustainable population growth, enhance genetic diversity, and ensure the long-term survival of Kenya’s black rhinos.
KWS Director General Erustus Kanga observed that this effort aligns with Kenya’s National Recovery Action Plan for the Black Rhino (2022-2026), which envisions a meta-population of at least 2,000 eastern black rhinos in suitable habitats by 2037, with an interim goal of 1,450 rhinos by Vision 2030.
Y News understands that the Association of Private and Community Land Rhino Sanctuaries (APLRS) was established in 1980 and is a part of the KWS’s decision-making framework for rhino conservation.
“Recently, Kenya has been unable to achieve its rhino population growth targets due to ‘density-dependent’ factors (over 80% of Kenya’s rhinos live in sanctuaries where they have exceeded ecological carrying capacity—more secure space is required urgently),” said Kanga.
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The KWS endorsed the APLRS to create an “appropriate vehicle’ to drive the rhino range expansion in Kenya.
Additionally, the Rhino Range Expansion Kenya Co. Ltd. (RREK) by Guarantee was established, focusing on a multi-stakeholder, equitable governance structure.
The RREK and KWS have a formal partnership agreement that positions the RREK to coordinate and support the KWS to achieve rhino range expansion objectives.
By Kenya Vision 2030, the number of rhinos is projected to reach 1,455, with 2,370 by 2040 and 3,860 by 2050.
Rhino births between 2022 and 2024
- 2022: Black 79, Southern White 69
- 2023: Black 67, Southern White 62
- 2024: Black 85, Southern White 83
- Total: Black 231, Southern White 214
“Creating new rhino sanctuaries and growing the IPZ’s capacity could create healthy rhino densities in existing rhino sanctuaries by 2030,” added Kanga.
The KWS boss, who spoke during the Mpala Wildlife Sanctuary Quarterly Webinar, disclosed that the state agency was open to working with both private and community sanctuaries in Central Laikipia and Tsavo ecosystems in conserving the rhinos.
“I can assure them that they will also have a share of what we receive from the National Treasury to support this ambitious initiative,” explained Kanga.
On this #WorldRhinoDay, the easiest way to tell a black rhino from its white cousin is to look at their upper lips. A black rhino’s is pointed; a white rhino’s is squared off.
Kanga further stated that the KRRE initiative will extend Kenya’s rhinos’ ancestral landscapes, fuel economic growth, and forever ensure Kenya’s legacy as a global conservation leader.
“The initiative will drive a transformative ecological and socio-economic impact by 2030,” Kanga said.
Ecological impact
An additional 6000 km² area conserved and with improved ecological connectivity, a move that will support 700 km² of degraded area restored.
Over 300 additional Black rhinos, an increase of 30% that will support an additional 20 new rhino conservancies in Kenya.
Socio-economic impact
18,000 households are being supported through lasting direct and indirect jobs created across Central Kenya and the Tsavo ecosystem
17 million US dollars of increased sourcing from local businesses
45 million US dollars in additional local revenue for conservancies across Central Kenya.
An additional 4.4 million US dollars of extra yearly community projects, plus 2.7 million US dollars on education projects.
KWS will leverage the ‘Common Indicators’ framework
A set of indicators codeveloped by conservation partners to measure protected area effectiveness.
Happening TODAY at 3:30pm EAT/8:30M EST. Hear from Prof. Erustus Kanga, director general of @KWSKenya about the Kenya Rhino Range Expansion—a pressing national conservation agenda.
KWS will use a four-pillar framework to meaningfully place communities at the centre of conservation:
- Create meaningful opportunities to benefit from conservation via employment, training, and community investments.
- Incorporate community leaders and local institutions in central decision-making bodies.
- Provide communities with preferential support where possible by leveraging Gok and external resources.
- Ensure communities have legal rights and recognition over their territories.
Rhino expansion will drive ecological connectivity across 3,200 km² in Central Kenya, further enhancing the tourism sector
Context
Central Kenya is a conservation stronghold with species found nowhere else; however, climate and land use change threaten its existence
Current scope
Ensure ‘rhino readiness’ and create a contiguous conservation area across all properties in Phases 1 and 2, creating a 3,200 km² connected reserve.
Vision
Create a thriving rhino population on community and private lands, helping future-proof this conservation stronghold.
KWS will uplift capacity in Tsavo within the rhino habitat and drive socioeconomic benefits
Context
Currently, over 145 rhinos live in Ngulia Sanctuary, which has a capacity for less than 60 rhinos; as a result, rhino population growth stagnates due to infighting and ecological constraints.
Current scope
Build infrastructure and support KWS management capacity in Tsavo West National Park to create a secure rhino habitat.
Vision
Improve the capacity for Tsavo and Chyulu to once again host viable populations of black rhino while alleviating pressure in other sanctuaries that are overcrowded.
We are thrilled to announce not one, but multiple newborn rhinos across Nakuru, Solio, and Tsavo West! 🦏These incredible births—both black and white rhinos—mark a significant milestone in conservation, bringing renewed hope for these endangered species. With your support, we
Expansion of Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary and Laikipia
The KWS Plan:
- Expansion of Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary in Tsavo West National Park from 92 to 3000 km².
- Expand Laikipia Rhino Conservancies to 3000 km²
Resulting in:
- Realisation of the Rhino Recovery Action target of 2000 black rhinos by 2037 from the current 1059.
- Faster growth, from the estimated 5% annually to 8%.
- Enhanced economic growth, particularly for communities.
