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| Photo courtesy : zander worldwide studios |
Conservation is an important aspect of Kenya's economy, as it is home to some of the most incredible wildlife in the world. However, the issue of conservation in Kenya is fraught with hypocrisy and double standards that threaten to undermine the very goals it is supposed to achieve.
On one hand, the Kenyan government has created many national parks and game reserves, including the famous Maasai Mara, to protect the country's wildlife. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is tasked with ensuring that these areas are protected, and that poaching and illegal hunting are prevented.
However, there are many instances where the government and the KWS turn a blind eye to conservation efforts, and even contribute to the degradation of the environment. For instance, some of the most significant deforestation in Kenya has occurred as a result of the government allocating forest land to large-scale commercial projects such as the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway, as well as logging by Chinese companies. Additionally, some of the country's most critical water sources have been polluted or destroyed by industrial activity.
There is also an issue with the hunting of wildlife, which is a highly lucrative business in Kenya. While poaching is illegal and highly regulated, wealthy individuals and foreigners are often given special permits to hunt for sport, even in protected areas. In 2018, a German hunter named Rainer Schorr was granted a permit to hunt a male lion in a wildlife conservancy in northern Kenya. The lion was shot and killed, sparking outrage among conservationists and the public.
In addition to hunting, there are also concerns about the impact of wealthy individuals and foreigners on conservation efforts in Kenya. Many are involved in activities such as wildlife trafficking and poaching, which pose a serious threat to endangered species.
Overall, it is clear that the issue of special permits for sport hunting in Kenya is a complex and controversial one, with many differing viewpoints and opinions. However, it is important to consider the impact of these practices on the environment and the animals that call it home.
The revenue generated from these hunts is supposed to go towards conservation efforts, but there are many cases where this money has been misappropriated.
Furthermore, conservation efforts are often geared towards tourist dollars rather than actually protecting the environment. Many people involved in the conservation industry in Kenya are more interested in profits than in preserving nature. For example, some animal sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers have been accused of keeping animals in substandard conditions in order to attract visitors and generate revenue. The Nairobi Animal Orphanage, which has faced criticism over the years for keeping animals in small, cramped enclosures and providing inadequate veterinary care. In 2017, an investigation by The Star newspaper revealed that animals at the orphanage were being kept in poor conditions, with some confined to cages that were too small for them.
Another example is the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, which has been accused of keeping its giraffes in small enclosures and denying them access to natural habitat. In 2018, the center was criticized by animal welfare organizations for keeping its giraffes in pens that were too small and failing to provide them with proper medical care.
In both cases, the facilities have defended their practices, but the allegations have raised concerns about the treatment of animals in sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers in Kenya. It is important for these facilities to prioritize the well-being of the animals in their care, rather than putting profits or visitor experiences first.
Despite these challenges, there are many individuals and organizations in Kenya who are committed to true conservation and are working hard to protect the country's wildlife and natural resources. The success of such efforts depends on a shift in priorities, where the needs of the environment take precedence over commercial interests.
In conclusion, conservation in Kenya is a complex issue, with many competing interests and challenges. While there are certainly instances of hypocrisy and double standards, there are also many individuals and organizations who are working hard to protect the country's wildlife and natural resources. It is important for everyone to be aware of these issues and to support true conservation efforts.
Written by Alexander kiruga alias Alexander's MindKE
TWITTER : @prof_Alexander's mindke
INSTAGRAM : @alexander_mind
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