Tembo Naming Festival Raises Ksh 16.5mn for Elephant Conservation

Kenya says it is on track to raise 1 million dollars toward the conservation of elephants within the current financial year that ends in June 2022.

Najib Balala, cabinet secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife said they raised KSh 16.5 million. This was realised during the inaugural Magical Kenya Tembo Naming Festival held Saturday.

Speaking to Aljazeera, he said, “We are going to achieve our target by June 2022.”

“The funds will be used in conservation efforts that include; employing new technology in wildlife monitoring, conservation education and improving livelihoods of communities living within the wildlife ecosystems,” said Balala.

The inaugural Magical Kenya Tembo Naming Festival took place at the Amboseli National Park, Kajiado County.  

“We want to look at issues concerning human Wildlife conflict, tracking of the elephants through collaring as well as the construction of electric fences and community engagement among other issues.”

According to the Kenya Wildlife Census Report 2021, Kenya is home to a total of 36,280 elephants, representing a 21 per cent growth from 2014.

John Waweru, director-general of Kenya Wildlife Service, noted that Wildlife conservation is facing challenges such as poaching, change in climate and loss of habitat.

“Hence, in the KWS Strategic Plan 2019-2024, intervention actions have been developed to protect and conserve wildlife with 3 key pillars; conservation, collaboration and enterprise. The Tembo Naming Festival is consequently, an initiative of collaboration,” he noted.