Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has received a significant boost after the Chantecaille Conservation Foundation donated essential equipment to enhance its operations.
The foundation contributed 20 upgraded Land Cruiser pickups, a truck, and 50 tents, with the total donation valued at $1.8 million (Sh232 million). Sylvie Chantecaille, co-founder and CEO of the foundation, officially handed over the items at KWS headquarters in Nairobi.
KWS Director General Erustus Kanga expressed gratitude for the donation, acknowledging Chantecaille’s dedication to conserving Kenya’s biodiversity. He assured that the resources would be effectively deployed to enhance field operations and safeguard wildlife.
Kanga noted that the vehicles had been customized to endure Kenya’s tough terrain, with VHF radios installed to improve communication between field teams and command centres. This, he said, would boost coordination, response efficiency, and security in protected areas.
He also emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration with the Chantecaille Conservation Foundation, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and other partners committed to conservation efforts.
Chantecaille reiterated her passion for wildlife protection, describing the donation as an investment in Kenya’s natural heritage and a step toward sustainable conservation.
KWS, a state corporation, is responsible for wildlife conservation and enforcement of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act (WCMA, 2013). The agency conducts research, monitors wildlife populations, educates the public, and rehabilitates rescued animals to promote conservation and biodiversity protection.
