The Mt Kenya Times 
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano
Tourism CS tells Tsavo gathering the government must do more to honour the men and women guarding Kenya’s natural heritage
By John Kariuki
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano yesterday pledged to push for improved welfare, housing and remuneration for wildlife rangers, saying the government must do more to recognise the sacrifices made by officers protecting Kenya’s natural heritage.
Speaking during World Ranger Day celebrations in the Tsavo Conservation Area, Miano said the government would progressively review ranger welfare and improve working conditions in recognition of the risks officers face on the job.
“As our economy grows and resources allow, we shall continue pursuing improvements in salaries and benefits as a demonstration of our appreciation for the invaluable service our rangers render to the nation,” she said.
Miano promised closer attention to housing and other welfare needs of officers deployed across Kenya’s conservation areas. “Our commitment is unwavering because we recognise that investing in rangers is investing in Kenya’s future,” she added.
The pledge came as Kenya continues to position wildlife conservation as a key pillar of the tourism industry and the broader economy. Miano said the contribution of wildlife goes well beyond conservation — the sector creates employment, supports community livelihoods, protects water towers, enhances climate resilience and strengthens Kenya’s national identity.
“Protecting wildlife is therefore not only a conservation responsibility — it is an investment in Kenya’s economic future and sustainable development,” she said.
Miano said the government would continue investing in ranger recruitment, professional training, modern technology and operational equipment to strengthen the country’s response to wildlife crime and human-wildlife conflict. She acknowledged that the conservation environment had grown increasingly complex, with climate change, biodiversity loss, habitat degradation, illegal wildlife trade and human-wildlife conflict all intensifying the demands placed on rangers in the field.
“Today’s ranger must be more than a law enforcement officer. You are conservationists, first responders, environmental educators, community partners and ambassadors of Kenya’s rich natural heritage,” she told those gathered.
The CS said her ministry would continue supporting the Kenya Wildlife Service in strengthening surveillance and intelligence-led operations, expanding aerial capabilities, enhancing digital monitoring systems and improving rapid response to wildlife crime and human-wildlife conflict incidents. She commended KWS for progress in recruitment, professional development and the acquisition of modern equipment — investments she said had helped cement Kenya’s standing as a global leader in wildlife conservation and nature-based tourism.
Miano also paid tribute to rangers who had died in the line of duty and those living with the physical and emotional toll of their work, describing them as “silent guardians of our biodiversity, defenders of our tourism economy and custodians of a natural heritage that belongs not only to Kenya but to the world.”
She called for stronger partnerships between national and county governments, local communities, conservation organisations, development partners and the private sector, arguing that conservation cannot succeed without the active involvement of communities living alongside wildlife.
Closing her address, Miano offered a direct message to rangers serving across the country. “To every ranger serving across Kenya, we salute your courage, your sacrifice and your unwavering patriotism. You truly are the guardians of a changing world,” she said.
The celebrations were held under the theme: Rangers: Guardians of a Changing World.
Similar Posts by The Mt Kenya Times:
- Mt Kenya Times ePAPER August 1-2, 2026
- Justice under siege
- Jumwa’s exit and what it means for the Coast
- The battle for Ruto’s running mate
- Kenya’s new police order
About the Author
