KWS Has No Board, Operating Like a Headless Chicken as CS Balala Appears Aloof

The death of 11 critically endangered black rhinos has shocked not only Kenya but the world in general especially the wildlife conservationists.

All the 11 black rhinos died after being translocated from Nairobi National Park to Tsavo National Park with conflicting reports on just what might have led to their deaths ruling the air.

According to the ministry of Tourism, the rhinos died as a result of ‘salt poisoning’ but now it appears the rhinos might have died as a result of negligence and ignorance from the top management at the KWS.

A statement released by the former Chairman of the Board of Kenya Wildlife Service sends chills down the spines of those who dream and passion is to preserve our national heritage, especially, the wildlife.

According to Dr. Leaky, KWS has no board meaning it has been operating as a ‘headless chicken with no sense of direction.’

“The board that I chaired came into existence on 17th April 2015 and its term expired on 17th April 2018,” said Dr. Leaky whose appointment ended in April 2018.

According to Leaky, the translocation of the rhinos was never supposed to happen. While he was Chair, the issue came up three times but the Board rejected it because there was no safe water and the process was risky.

The Board, then, directed that NO translocation was to take place. The management at KWS was given a firm NO.

So, it the translocation process was rejected and deemed unsafe, which fool at KWS allowed it? Again, CS Balala flagged off the process. Why did he do that if he knew it had been rejected before? Why has it taken so long to appoint a Board at KWS?

The CS has dismissed some top officials at KWS following the deaths of the rhinos. Is this enough punishment? What other stern measures is he going to take?