Kenya’s efforts to conserve and increase the population of the endangered mountain bongo have received a major boost following the repatriation of four young male bongos from Europe.
Of the four, one originated from the Czech Republic, two from Germany, and one from Denmark.
According to Kenya Wildlife Service Director General Dr. Erastus Kanga, the animals were repatriated to strengthen the genetic diversity of the existing population of 102 mountain bongos at the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy.
While officially receiving the consignment at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi described the repatriation as a significant milestone in Kenya’s conservation journey.
Mudavadi noted that with approximately 100 mountain bongos remaining in the wild, the country faces both a challenge and a responsibility.
“The story of the mountain bongo is, in many ways, a reflection of our broader environmental reality. Once thriving across our montane forests from the Aberdares to Mount Kenya, the Mau, and Eburu, this iconic species now faces the stark reality of near extinction,” he said.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary emphasized that the government remains firmly guided by national policies and legislative frameworks, particularly the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act of 2013, which provides a strong foundation for species protection, habitat restoration, and biodiversity management as a national heritage.
“Today’s milestone, anchored in science, collaboration, and long-term planning, demonstrates the effectiveness of policy, when matched with action.
The Mountain Bongo Recovery Programme aligns directly with Kenya’s national biodiversity strategies, our climate action commitments, and the global Sustainable Development Goals,” he added.
Mudavadi further noted that the collaboration between government, conservation institutions such as the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy and international partners was critical, describing it as a model of the multi-sectoral approach needed for conservation success.
“Conservation today requires unity of purpose across borders, institutions, and communities. Species recovery is not an isolated effort; it is a strategic national priority. It speaks to our environmental security, our tourism economy, and our intergenerational responsibility,” he said.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed Kenya’s position as a global leader in wildlife conservation, expressing confidence that through sound policy, strategic partnerships, and sustained commitment, species recovery is achievable.
“I commend all stakeholders involved and assure you of the government’s unwavering support in strengthening conservation frameworks and ensuring that Kenya’s biodiversity continues to thrive,” he added.
At the same event, Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy founder and patron Humphrey Kariuki said the decision to import the four bongos was aimed at improving the genetic diversity of the existing population of 102 animals.
“The more the animals breed within a limited gene pool, the weaker they become. By introducing new genetics, we can strengthen the population and ensure their long-term survival,” Kariuki explained.
He added that the animals would undergo a one-month quarantine period before release to ensure they are disease-free and properly acclimatized.
Mudavadi was accompanied by the Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, as well as the Czech Republic Ambassador to Kenya, Ms. Nicol Adamcová.
The Ambassador reaffirmed her country’s strong partnership with Kenya in biodiversity conservation.
“My country values our friendship and partnership to the extent that the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel has provided auspices for the transfer of mountain bongos to Kenya,” Adamcova said.
By Douglas Namunane and Wangari Ndirangu
