The government has commissioned a multi-agency committee to undertake immediate ecological studies and identify key hotspots to inform swift interventions aimed at mitigating the effects of the worsening drought on Kenya’s wildlife.
The initiative seeks to minimize and avert deaths of wildlife animals, particularly in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), where pasture and water remain scarce.
The Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) have already begun field operations to ensure resources are allocated effectively, particularly to highly vulnerable species.
A Cabinet dispatch issued on Tuesday raised the alarm over the 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 heightened risk of human-wildlife conflicts, 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 over 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 these 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 in key species.
The quick 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 of Lake Naivasha.
The institute, in partnership with other stakeholders, has also initiated research to determine the causes of the 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 (KALRO), would sustain ongoing research initiatives.
“We shall seek a lasting solution for relocating the research centre following the rise in water levels in the lake, which has caused significant damage,” he said.
On the drought, Dr. Nkedianye confirmed that WRTI is collaborating with other state agencies and would release a report in the coming weeks to the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) for action.
“The drought has taken a toll on wildlife. We are identifying the most affected areas and species to address the situation,” he said.
By Erastus Gichohi
