By Staff Reporter
The Government has commissioned a multi-agency committee to conduct immediate ecological studies and identify key hotspots to guide swift interventions aimed at mitigating the effects of the worsening drought on Kenya’s wildlife.
The initiative seeks to minimize and prevent wildlife deaths, particularly in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), where pasture and water remain scarce.
The Wildlife Research and Training Institute and the Kenya Wildlife Service have already begun field operations to ensure resources are allocated effectively, especially to highly vulnerable species.
A Cabinet dispatch raised the alarm over deteriorating conditions in four counties — Wajir, Mandera, Kwale and Kilifi — with the risk of the drought spreading to an additional 13 counties. The notice highlighted the impact on livestock and the increased risk of human-wildlife conflict, particularly near game parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
The government has already released Sh4.1 billion to support more than 3.3 million Kenyans facing acute food shortages caused by the failed October–December 2025 short rains, reflecting the gravity of the situation.
According to WRTI Director Dr Patrick Omondi, the exercise is designed to provide short-term interventions, including the supply of water and essential supplements to affected wildlife, to prevent deaths as the drought worsens in the coming weeks.
“The ecological studies in wildlife parks and sanctuaries will inform swift interventions needed to avert animal deaths, as witnessed during the 2022 drought,” said Dr Omondi.
The findings from the studies are expected to support long-term strategies for drought and flood response, building on the 2024–2025 National Wildlife Census, which indicated increased wildlife populations among key species. The rapid response is particularly vital for endangered species such as Grevy’s zebras in Samburu, which were heavily impacted during the 2022 drought season.
Dr Omondi made the remarks during the opening of the Alternative Wetland and Inland Water Research Facility in Naivasha, following the closure of the previous centre due to rising water levels in Lake Naivasha.
The institute, in partnership with other stakeholders, has also initiated research to determine the causes of rising water levels in the Great Rift Valley, which have displaced communities, wildlife and disrupted livelihoods.
“The research on rising water levels is ongoing and will be completed within the next year, after which a scientific advisory will guide future plans,” said Dr Omondi.
Institute Board Chairman Dr David Nkedianye noted that the new research facility, supported by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, will sustain ongoing research initiatives.
