Harnessing Technology and Partnerships to Safeguard Kenya’s Wildlife

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Board of Trustees, led by Chairman Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Walter Raria Koipaton, conducted a familiarisation visit to the Lewa Joint Operations and Communications Centre (JOCC) in Northern Kenya, underscoring the Service’s commitment to leveraging technology and partnerships to enhance conservation and wildlife security.

The delegation, which included KWS Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga and senior management, was received by conservation leaders Dr. Kevit Desai of the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), Mr. Mike Watson of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, and Mr. Vishal Shah of NRT.

Under Prof. Kanga’s leadership, KWS has strengthened inter-agency coordination, modernised field operations, and embraced advanced surveillance technologies to improve conservation outcomes. His emphasis on innovation, partnerships, and community involvement continues to revitalise Kenya’s conservation landscape — aligning local action with global best practices.

The Lewa JOCC serves as a central command hub for conservation and security coordination across 45 conservancies under the NRT network. By integrating efforts between government agencies and conservation partners, the centre ensures cohesive and rapid responses to emerging threats — enhancing the safety of both wildlife and surrounding communities.

Equipped with cutting-edge systems such as EarthRanger, LoRaWAN long-range networks, and data from drones, aerial patrols, animal collars, camera traps, GPS trackers, and ranger patrols, the JOCC consolidates real-time field intelligence to monitor and respond swiftly to poaching and other wildlife threats.

Speaking during the visit, Prof. Kanga reaffirmed KWS’s unwavering focus on technology-driven conservation and collaboration.

“Our mission is to ensure that wildlife conservation remains at the heart of national development. Through collaboration, innovation, and community engagement, we are securing a sustainable future for both people and wildlife,” he said.

This fusion of leadership, technology, and partnership underscores Kenya’s growing global stature in conservation and its determination to protect biodiversity for generations to come.