The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has denied reports of alleged mining activities inside the Tsavo East National Park.

In a statement on Monday, August 12, 2024, KWS said the images being shared online are not from Tsavo National Park. According to KWS, the images are from the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project.

“Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) wishes to dispel false information circulating on social media regarding alleged mining activities in the Tsavo East National Park. We wish to clarify that the images being shared online are not from the said Tsavo East National Park, and that there are no mining activities taking place there,” the statement read in part.

“In fact, the images being shared are from the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project, located in Galana Ranch managed by the Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC), which is adjacent to Tsavo East National Park. This project is being spearheaded by the State Department of Irrigation and is aimed at enhancing food security in Kenya through large-scale irrigation and sustainable farming practices.”

KWS says the images are of canals being constructed to facilitate water flow in the irrigation farms, and not of mining as insinuated in reports being circulated online.

“As part of the program, canals are being constructed to facilitate water flow into irrigation farms. KWS remains committed to the conservation and protection of our national parks and wildlife heritage,” KWS added.

More to follow…