As part of the Institute’s strategic goal to strengthen collaboration, the Institute, on May 16th, 2025 hosted a delegation from the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC), led by Dr. Robert Aruho, Head of the Conservancy.
The meeting focused on exploring potential areas of collaboration in wildlife research and training.
The Institute’s Director, Dr. Patrick Omondi, lauded the MKWC team for their commendable conservation work, particularly in safeguarding the critically endangered Mountain Bongo.
He described the Mountain Bongo as a flagship species for the Mount Kenya ecosystem and a symbol of Kenya’s broader biodiversity conservation efforts.
The discussions centered on several key areas of collaboration:
- Development of a joint research and monitoring programme with a specific focus on the Mountain Bongo and other endangered species.
- Design of diploma and certificate training programs aimed at strengthening capacity in wildlife management.
- Implementation of community outreach and engagement initiatives, including hands-on learning through structured exchange programs.
- Adoption of emerging technologies such as AI-powered surveillance systems to enhance species tracking and data collection in national parks and protected areas.
- Establishment of a data sharing and information exchange platform to facilitate coordinated conservation actions and evidence-based decision-making.
Dr. Aruho emphasized that this potential partnership would strengthen joint efforts in research, species monitoring, and capacity building, contributing to the long-term sustainability of Kenya’s unique wildlife heritage.
Also present during the meeting were Nelly Kuboka, (Ag.) Deputy Director – Corporate Planning, Partnerships and Strategy; James Mathenge, (Ag.) Head – Research Development and Grants Writing; Simon Gitau, Head – Enterprise Development and Marketing; alongside other senior management staff from the Institute.
The proposed collaboration is expected to advance both institutions’ shared goals of protecting endangered wildlife and enhancing conservation science and education across the country.