By A, KNA
As the world marked World Rangers Day, the rangers working at the Maasai Mara National Reserve and its environs were saluted for their dedicated work in conservation that has made the park to gain recognition worldwide.
Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu, who led the celebrations in honour of the rangers said the brave men and women had dedicated their lives to protect wildlife and safeguard the shared natural heritage.
The rangers were recognised for their professionalism in the ongoing great wildebeest migration as they are carefully managing the viewing to prioritize the animals, while ensuring that guests experience the migration in a safe and respectable way.
The county government is set to employ an addition of 150 rangers to help boost conservation as other rangers in all cadres get their due promotion.
Because of the conservation efforts, the Governor said, the collection at the World-famous Maasai Mara National reserve grew from Sh1.6 billion in the financial year 2021/2022 to Sh6.1 billion in 2024/2025.
While citing that the National reserve is the major source of Own Source Revenue (OSR) in the county, the Governor underscored that more tourists were expected to flock to the reserve after it was officially listed in the World Book of Records.
He lauded all the stakeholders who have collaborated with the county government to boost the management at the National reserve.
Among the organizations supporting the conservation efforts at the Mara is Sheldrick Wildlife Trust that is providing vehicles, ranger housing and aerial support through helicopters and fixed -wing aircraft which are critical in rhino monitoring.
With the help of the organization, the county government has fitted transmitters on 27 rhinos and notched 23 rhinos, which is a major milestone in the survival of the iconic species.
Also installed by the county government are five weather stations and camera traps, which document remarkable milestones in the conservancy.
“The natural return of Greater Kudu and the Roan Antelope in the Mara is a profound milestone, showing that the Mara remains a healthy, resilient ecosystem and natural habitat capable of sustaining wildlife without requiring artificial re-introduction,” he said.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve Chief Warden Stephen Ole Minus called on the community to support the rangers saying their work matters more than words can express.
“The rangers do not only protect the wildlife but guardians of our future. Let us ensure no ranger walks alone. To the public stand with them, to the government to invest in their wellbeing and to the rangers hold your heads high because your work matters,” he underscored.
“Let the world know that our rangers are not just doing a job but are leaving a purpose as they are the heartbeat of conservation,” said Ole Minus.
Narok County Deputy Director Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Stephen Ole Kuseren revealed that the County Wildlife Compensation Committee (CWCC) had held a meeting and agreed to hike compensation on domestic animals to Sh70, 000 per head so that farmers who lose their livestock to wildlife will enjoy good benefits.
Brian Heath, the CEO Mara Triangle said the rangers are important in the conservation efforts saying in the month of July 2025, the rangers arrested 22 poachers.
He reiterated that the rangers have helped to boost security in the conservancies and communities surrounding the park.
“The community can sleep in peace without fear of their livestock being stolen or wildlife invasion,” he said.
During the event, the residents paused to honour the rangers who have been injured or paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. This year’s World Rangers Day theme is; ‘Rangers, Powering Transformative Conservation’.