The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has pushed to secure additional space for rhinos in the Laikipia ecosystem through a new round of stakeholder engagement aimed at expanding conservation areas and easing pressure on existing sanctuaries.

According to a statement by the KWS on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the Director General of the Kenya Wildlife Service, Prof. Erustus Kanga, convened a consultative meeting at Mpala Research Centre bringing together landowners, scientists, and conservation partners to deliberate on the ongoing rhino reintroduction programme.

Kanga commended landowners already hosting rhinos on private and community land, describing their role as central to Kenya’s broader wildlife conservation success.

Need for expansion of rhino sanctuaries

Kanga also urged more community conservancies across Laikipia County to join the expanding network of rhino sanctuaries.

He stated that robust regulations and safeguards have been put in place to ensure the successful and sustainable implementation of the reintroduction programme.

According to KWS, the initiative is being implemented under the Kenya Rhino Range Expansion (KRRE), a programme designed to establish new, secure rhino habitats while addressing population pressure in existing protected areas.

“These efforts are being spearheaded under the Kenya Rhino Range Expansion (KRRE), a strategic initiative led by KWS to establish new, secure habitats for rhinos while addressing overpopulation in existing sanctuaries,” KWS said in a statement.

Conservation efforts

Kenya Wildlife Service noted that the programme is supported by strengthened regulations and safeguards to ensure safe translocation, monitoring, and long-term sustainability of rhino populations.

The service urged landowners, conservancies, and partners across Laikipia and beyond to step forward and be part of the conservation effort, creating space, securing the future of rhinos, and safeguarding Kenya’s natural heritage for generations to come.