Prof. Erustus Kanga Leads Strategic Dialogue on Coastal Conservation with Coast Parliamentary Group
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By John Kariuki
Kisumu, Kenya – Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga spearheaded a high-level strategic dialogue with the Coast Parliamentary Group at the Great Western Hotel in Kisumu, marking a critical step in advancing conservation efforts along Kenya’s coastline.
Accompanied by senior KWS management, Prof. Kanga underscored the ecological and economic significance of the coastal region, home to iconic ecosystems like Mombasa Marine Park, Watamu, Kisite Mpunguti, Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Shimba Hills, and Arabuko Sokoke.
“Our coast is an ecological treasure and a vital pillar of our national heritage,” Prof. Kanga emphasized. “It is essential to forge sustainable partnerships and adopt inclusive strategies to protect these ecosystems while supporting local livelihoods.”
The discussion highlighted pressing issues including human-wildlife conflict, bushmeat poaching, and inadequate waste management, which pose threats to both biodiversity and community well-being. Prof. Kanga noted that over 4,000 locals are directly employed in wildlife-related jobs, indirectly supporting more than 45,000 community members—demonstrating conservation’s vital socio-economic impact.
KWS’s community-focused interventions were spotlighted, including the provision of water infrastructure, technical support for conservancies, and rehabilitation of access roads and airstrips to enhance tourism and conservation logistics.
The Coast Parliamentary Group expressed firm support for Prof. Kanga’s leadership, pledging to champion legislative and policy measures to strengthen wildlife protection and attract sustainable tourism investment that benefits local communities.
Prof. Kanga’s proactive and collaborative approach continues to position KWS as a transformative force, effectively aligning conservation efforts with Kenya’s broader development goals.
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