KWS boss calls for collaboration to increase number of elephants

By Peter Ochieng

Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) Director General Erastus Kungu has called for collaborations, aimed at boosting the number of elephants in the country.

In a statement during the marking of World Elephant Day 2024, Kungu said they encourage all conservation areas to engage in simple, low-cost activities in collaboration with stakeholders and local communities, so as to help boost elephant numbers.

“These initiatives will provide a platform to address the root causes of human-elephant conflict and explore practical solutions that can enhance coexistence,” reads the statement, in part.

“Identifying key sites to showcase innovative methods currently being employed such as putting up barriers to reduce conflicts will be crucial in demonstrating our commitment to this cause.”

Kungu noted that elephants are integral to our ecosystems, adding that their survival is increasingly based on our ability to foster harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.

“In recent times, we have witnessed a rise in elephant mortalities due to human-elephant conflict, driven by increased intolerance stemming from negative interactions,” he regretted.

Kenya's elephant population, the Director General added, has seen a remarkable recovery, growing from 16,000 individuals in 1989 to over 36,280 as per the 2021 National Wildlife Census.

However, he added, the progress has been slowed down by ongoing challenges, including habitat loss, climate change, and poaching.

The new KWS Strategic Plan therefore comes as a remedy, as it has set a comprehensive roadmap that will address the threats, by focusing on habitat restoration, conflict mitigation, and strengthening the value of elephants to local communities.

“As we work together to protect these magnificent creatures, let us all remember that the future of elephants depends on our collective efforts to promote peaceful coexistence. I urge everyone to join hands in ensuring that our actions today pave the way for a future where both elephants and people thrive in harmony,” added Kungu.

The World Elephant Day is marked every August 12 since 2012, dedicated to preservation and protection of elephants.

This year's theme is "Promoting Harmonious Coexistence Between Elephants and People in Well-Managed Landscapes."

Research shows that an African Elephant is the world’s largest land animal. Adult males, or bull elephants, can stand up to 3 meters high and weigh up to 6,000 kg on average.

They only reach their full size at 35-40 years, which is well over half their lifespan, as wild elephants can live up to 60-70 years.