Tharaka nithi: Communities living around wildlife habitats have been urged to take a leading role in conservation efforts to promote peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife. Speaking during the Ura Gate Cultural Festival at Shauri Grounds in Tharaka Nithi County, in a speech read on his behalf by Deputy Director Abdi Doti, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Director General Prof. Erastus Kanga highlighted the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts.
According to Kenya News Agency, Prof. Kanga emphasized that wildlife does not recognize administrative boundaries, making cooperation among communities, conservation agencies, and governments essential. He stated, “Conservation must be from communities and not from a distance. KWS will continue engaging communities and leaders around protected areas to make the landscape safer for both wildlife and people.” Prof. Kanga also expressed KWS’s commitment to supporting the Ura Gate Festival, which he described as an important platform for bringing communities together and promoting conservation.
Prof. Kanga encouraged young people to explore opportunities in conservation-related careers, such as photography, filmmaking, art, and community mobilization. He noted, “When communities thrive, conservation thrives and when conservation thrives, the country thrives.” Furthermore, he urged residents to stop cutting down trees for charcoal and instead collaborate with conservation agencies to protect the environment and wildlife. “We are good neighbours and you should help us in conservation. Wildlife belongs to all of us and we cannot do this alone,” he added.
Dorothy Naivasha, a resident, remarked that the festival had provided a peaceful platform for uniting communities and urged future county leadership to continue supporting community groups involved in the initiative. Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki, who attended the festival, acknowledged the role of culture as a unifying factor for the people of Tharaka Nithi and emphasized its potential to strengthen cohesion and promote tourism. He conveyed messages of goodwill from Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano and Prof. Kanga.
Mbiuki highlighted the construction of a water pan at Karisa by KWS, which he said would improve water harvesting and benefit local residents. He called for unity among residents, stressing that political differences should not divide the community. The MP also outlined his political priorities, including establishing a ward development fund and ensuring every ward has at least a Level Three hospital if elected governor. Additionally, he advocated for political unity in the Mt Kenya East region around Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, urging leaders to support the national government for seamless development.
