By Eddah Waithaka
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has deployed a new, high-tech patrol boat to combat illegal activities and boost security on the vast waters of Lake Turkana, a move that follows the tragic loss of three rangers in the region in the last two years.
KWS Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga commissioned the state-of-the-art vessel in Sibiloi National Park, hailing it as a critical tool for conservation and community safety.
The boat, donated by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and the Horn of Africa Regional Environmental Centre and Network (HoAREC&N) with support from the South Rift Association of Land Owners (SORALO), is equipped with modern sonar and radar technology.”
This boat comes at a critical time. In the past two years, we have lost three officers in Sibiloi, two shot by adversaries and one drowned during a foot patrol.
This vessel will greatly improve safety for our rangers while enhancing our ability to secure Lake Turkana,” said Prof. Kanga, calling the donation “a lifeline for both people and wildlife.”
The vessel will strengthen surveillance, deter illegal fishing and trafficking, protect fisheries, and ensure the safety of local communities whose livelihoods depend on the lake’s fragile ecosystem.
Beyond security, officials expect the boat to unlock tourism potential in northern Kenya by offering safer access to Sibiloi National Park and the iconic Jade Sea.
“Imagine tourists exploring the great Jade Sea, guided by local experts, experiencing the cradle of humankind right here in Sibiloi,” Prof. Kanga added. “That is the future we envision, where conservation fuels tourism, creates jobs, and uplifts communities.”
Partners emphasized the broader regional importance of the initiative. John Ole Kamanga, Director of SORALO, underscored the commitment to strengthening local livelihoods, while Prof. Mekuria Argaw, Director of HoAREC&N, noted that “Sibiloi does not exist in isolation; it connects to two other parks in Ethiopia.
Protecting biodiversity here strengthens resilience across the entire Horn of Africa.”The launch directly supports the KWS Strategic Plan 2024–2028, which prioritizes wildlife security, community participation, and partnerships as the foundation of conservation success.
The public is urged to report any suspicious wildlife trade activities through KWS channels, including their 24-hour hotline (0800 597 000).
