The SayNoToBushMeat roadshow was a powerful conservation education engagement strategy that took the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) brand and the wildlife conservation message directly to the masses to take an active role in safeguarding the nation’s wildlife heritage and create awareness to prevent bushmeat from entering local markets, reducing the illegal wildlife trade, public health risks, zoonotic diseases, and to promote thriving wildlife and healthy habits for all, forever. The campaign was part of KWS mission to find solutions that save the marvelous array of life on our planet through enlightenment and working closely with local communities, attracting thousands of enthusiastic crowds and local media.
With chants of “Say no to bushmeat!” embraced with exhilarating edutainment, the first phase of the sensitization campaign that began in Loitoktok Sub County, residents in high spirits turned up, engaging with KWS and joining the movement to protect Kenya’s wildlife heritage. From Loitoktok and Kimana markets, to Rombo, Ilasit, Mashuru, and Sultan Hamud, the drive went through Athi market, through Ikutha, Kasala, Kanziku, Muthue, Muthaa, Isaa, Mathima, Kitui town, Wikililye, Mulango, Nzambani, Kyuluni, Kwa Kinyai, Musa, Ikanga, Kisasi, Ikanga, and saving the best for last in Mutomo.
The second phase that carried with it a positive momentum with a rekindled energy started at at the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Headquarters, through the Langata-Ngong road, Ngong-Suswa road to Kimuka Shopping Centre. The truck then drove to Ewaso Kedong to Suswa, Maai Mahiu, Longinit, Naivasha, Gilgil, Kikopey, Pipeline, and Soysambu areas.
Arising issues
The modern bushmeat trade is vastly different from traditional subsistence hunting and is considered a primary driver of extinction for many endangered species and plain game. The frequency with which particular species are targeted is destabilizing wildlife populations of small antelopes like dik-diks and duikers to big plain game like giraffes, zebra, eland and buffalos, and last but not least, the river horse – hippopotamus.
The illicit trade also presents a significant threat to conservation efforts and public health. KWS consistently alerts the public about the risks associated with uninspected wild meat entering local food systems and unregulated markets. With enforcement of tough laws due to poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking being grave offenses, offenders face up to 20 years’ imprisonment, or fines reaching KES 20 million.
Mutha Ward in Kitui South is a biodiversity-rich area that borders the Tsavo East National Park of Tsavo Conservation Area, and often records incidents of human interaction with wildlife. KWS is actively monitoring the region, deploying wildlife rangers to drive stray animals back into the protected parks, because every step, patrol, and act of courage the rangers take and show safeguards livelihoods and keeps wildlife and nature thriving.
Rising water levels in Lake Naivasha have inundated riparian zones, resulting in the displacement of hippos and various other wildlife species. This situation compels animals to venture into community spaces and residential areas. The intersection of displaced wildlife and expanding human settlements results in frequent conflicts, property damage, and risks to human safety.
Suswa faces severe human-wildlife conflict, including elephant menace, night raids by large carnivores and predations causing heavy livestock losses, tension between pastoralists overcompensation, and habitat degradation. The centre zoned for residential and commercial purposes has seen an increase in bushmeat trade due to diverse land utilization. Again, Ewaso Kedong lies in the midst of an important wildlife corridor connecting the South Rift to Mt. Suswa and the Maasai Mara, and the need to start a wildlife conservancy by the community is beckoning.
The areas visited experience a semi-arid climate that is ideal for wildlife farming for both commercial use and conservation. The campaign exhorted the public to embrace sustainable utilization and conservation of wildlife. To legally farm wildlife, applicants must fill out official enterprise forms and pass thorough farm inspections to ensure proper housing, security, and welfare before an annual operating license is granted.
Meanwhile, to win wildlife stewardship efforts, join the movement and SayNoToBushMeat campaign. To address human-wildlife encounters, the public is encouraged to promptly report human-wildlife conflict incidents that include crop damage, livestock attacks, human injuries or death immediately to the KWS 24/7 toll-free number 0800 597 000, or to the nearest KWS station.
Conclusion
Saving nature is at the very heart of KWS. We are committed to providing leadership in conservation awareness and wildlife conservation and management, and to acknowledge that our conservation efforts depend on the quality and commitment of our staff and on how they work with communities to achieve our mandate.
The successful roadshows relied on clear, well defined, repeatable goals tailored to the local audience while prioritizing coexistence, wildlife protection, collaboration, and educating the communities on the dangers of bushmeat consumption, illegal wildlife trade, and the threat posed to both wildlife and human health.
Driven by curiosity, the core messaging was also consistent and localized to pop-up activations that addressed specific regional interests and challenges through local dialect and use of masters of ceremony from local influencers, local music, conservation plays and skits, and the use of branded merchandise, posters and flyers.
Indeed, the campaign took the message on the road effectively to thousands of participants, creating a network of wildlife ambassadors who can now advocate for wildlife conservation while guiding fellow communities towards sustainable practices.
To support KWS’ conservation efforts, please visit https://kwspay.ecitizen.go.ke/donate