Ruto: KWS digitisation boosts revenue

By Robert Mutasi 

President William Ruto commended the Kenya Wildlife Service for its efforts towards digitizing operations, saying that this has greatly improved the agencies' revenue streams.

Speaking yesterday during the passing-out parade of 1,274 ranger recruits at the KWS Law Enforcement Academy in Manyani, Taita-Taveta County, President Ruto highlighted the transformative impact of these reforms.

"The Kenya Wildlife Service's efforts of digitising have been something that needs commendation, leading to an increase in the revenues now covering up to 87% of the agency's budget, " said Ruto.

It is this improved budget performance that has allowed the KWS to make new investments in vital aspects necessary to enhance service provision in aspects like acquiring 98 service vehicles.

He, nonetheless, challenged the KWS board to double its effort in achieving absolute self-sustenance of its institution within the next two years.

"This should be a priority," he said, noting such a stride shall place KWS as a model case for other state agencies.

The passing-out parade was an important moment for the 1,274 new rangers who will now play a very vital role in safeguarding Kenya's wildlife and natural heritage.

President Ruto commended the recruits for their dedication and urged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in their duties.

This places KWS at the centre of the various challenges experienced in wildlife conservation: poaching, habitat destruction, and, most recently, the consequences of climatic changes on wildlife populations.

However, with new inspirations from this innovation and digitization campaign, there is fresh hope for change.

Through streamlining the agency's systems-including ticketing and resource management-things are more efficient than before and quite more transparent and accountable.

This increase in revenue will be able to be used for the purchase of new service vehicles, further enhancing anti-poaching, patrols, and response times in cases of emergencies.

These changes, with an addition of well-trained personnel, signal a new beginning for KWS in safeguarding Kenya's rich biodiversity.

The ceremony also underscored the government's commitment to conservation and its role in economic growth through tourism.

President Ruto reaffirmed his administration's support for initiatives that balance environmental preservation with sustainable development, ensuring that Kenya's natural resources continue to benefit future generations.

With the promise of further reforms and investment, the KWS continues to be a cornerstone in the Kenyan conservation effort, ensuring the nation's wildlife and ecosystems for generations to come.