The onset of the rains at the end of July and beginning of August has saved the Kenya Wildlife Service millions of shillings that had been allocated to buying feeds for wildlife, KWS director William Kiprono has said. Speaking in Naivasha, Kiprono said the rains were an indication that the vegetation and water supply in the parks was going to be plenty. His comments come days after Environment Permanent Secretary Richard Lesiyampe expressed concern over acute shortage of animal feeds in conservancies in northern Kenya, revealing that the government planned to purchase hay and water for the wildlife to prevent their death. The exercise that was slated to be carried out by KWS was meant to save hundreds of wild animals that are facing starvation due to the failed long rains in April. Lesiyampe had termed the situation as serious, adding that pastoralists were also affected by the harsh weather conditions, though the government had embarked on buying their livestock. The government had also carried out a similar exercise five years ago Kiprono said that the wildlife agency plans to use the cash meant for purchase of wildlife food to advance conservation efforts. “If the rains continue, we will direct the cash that was to be used in the purchase of the food and water into other environmental conservation strategies. This will include initiatives like provision of more skills and equipment for our anti-poaching team,” he said.

Share news tips with us here at Hivisasa