By Achedias
On Monday, the Conservancies Association (KWCA) observed World Day for Safety and Health at Work, encouraging all stakeholders to support an inclusive ranger workforce. This is in reaction to the results of the most recent Kenya Community Ranger Perception Survey 2024, which indicated the issues that community rangers confront in Kenya. The top three issues cited were lack of access to professional training, inadequate equipment, and inconsistent working conditions.In accordance with the 2010 constitutional requirements, Mohamed Awer, Chief Executive Officer of WWF-Kenya, demanded that women be represented in the ranger staff at least one-third of the time, up from the current 6%. Additionally, he called on interested parties to back programs that would enhance their well-being and working conditions.Women offer significant and diverse skills, views, and methods to the ranger workforce, resulting in better outcomes for people and wildlife. WWF-Kenya and KWCA hope to spark meaningful conversation about gender inclusivity in conservation and build an atmosphere in which all rangers can help protect wildlife, improve community well-being, and advance local economies.”Investing in the upskilling and training of community wildlife rangers is imperative,” stated Linet Misiko, Chief Operating Officer, KWCA.
For many new conservancies, the expense of appropriate training is prohibitive. As a result, many rangers are sent out with no professional training, which leaves them ill-equipped to deal with the intricate problems they encounter on the ground.
