On The New Kenya Wildlife Services Director

http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/article-89475/right-time-restructure-kws

I read this article in the 13th October, 2012 online edition of the Star News Paper that sought to outline the role of the new Director of the Kenya Wildlife Services - Mr. William Kibet, and the challenges and opportunities he was likely to encounter after complaints by the IFAW that there were structural defects in the wildlife sector and more so in KWS itself.

The article sought to suggest steps that KWS should take for better wildlife management and conservation; I made a comment with the little knowledge and experience I have in Wildlife Conservation and Management issues especially those that touch on the upholding the Constitution and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The Comment was as follows:

"Legislation is key, especially with the ongoing reforms in the land sector; KWS is and ought to remain a key interested party to these discussions. The provision of community land and legislation should be examined to incorporate the possibility of involvement of communities in wildlife conservation.

KWS must have (as I believe did many of the other government agencies and departments) set out an elaborate program that integrates them in the devolution process as set out in the new constitution. Were such issues as an overwhelmed KWS raised during these discussions and subsequent submissions to the Task force on devolution?

Wildlife legislation too has taken too long. The process of having a new wildlife conservation and management law must be fast tracked. Good leadership is key, I agree, and nothing short of that is expected of the new KWS director (considering the shoes he will be fitting into). However, the Constitution 2010 encourages strengthening of institutions - as opposed to individuals. That is where our thoughts should be focused on."

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