By MKT Correspondent
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), in partnership with African Fund for Endangered Wildlife – Giraffe Centre hosted an engaging conservation education session for 200 Kenyan learners from across the country at the iconic Ivory Burning Site in Nairobi National Park, the world’s only Wildlife Capital in marking World Giraffe Day.
The event was graced by KWS Board Chair Lt. Gen (Rtd) Walter Raria Koipaton, KWS Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga, AFEW Board Chair Mr. Jagi Gakunju, AFEW CEO Ms. Christine Nyang’aya, and conservation partners.
Held under the theme “Collaboration and Innovation for Giraffe Conservation,” the event showcased innovative approaches to conservation through education, technology, research, policy and governance, and socio-economic engagement — all essential pillars in securing a sustainable future for giraffes and Kenya’s broader biodiversity.
The KWS Board Chairman emphasized the importance of inspiring the younger generation to cherish and protect Kenya’s natural heritage. He acknowledged the vital role of partners in driving conservation, affirmed support for county governments under the devolved system, and invited the private sector to join the Adopt-a-Giraffe initiative as strategic investors in Kenya’s natural capital.
Prof. Erustus Kanga commended the involvement of learners, encouraging them to become young conservation champions who will carry forward the legacy of protecting Kenya’s natural heritage. He also highlighted the urgent threats facing giraffes — including bush meat hunting, poaching, habitat loss, and shrinking natural spaces — and called for coordinated action through ecological planning, community engagement, and sustained investment in education and awareness to ensure the survival of giraffes and other wildlife species for generations to come.
AFEW CEO Ms. Christine Nyang’aya reaffirmed the strong partnership between AFEW – Giraffe Centre and Kenya Wildlife Service, highlighting our joint commitment to giraffe conservation. She noted that AFEW plays an active role in supporting the implementation of the National Recovery Action Plan for Giraffes in Kenya, working closely with KWS and other stakeholders. Through this collaboration, AFEW continues to take deliberate action to conserve and protect giraffe populations — focusing on education, habitat restoration, community engagement, and public advocacy as key strategies to reverse the decline of this iconic species.
This aligns with the ongoing on TunzaMaliYako School Campaign that is encouraging learners to visit our National Parks, Reserves, and Sanctuaries to learn and experience Kenya’s rich wildlife!
The event culminated in an award ceremony recognizing outstanding young conservation champions — learners who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to conservation. This serves as a powerful reminder that everyone has a role to play in protecting Kenya’s wildlife — and celebrated the growing movement of young people stepping up to safeguard the future of our natural heritage.
John Kariuki