Government Launches Online Wildlife Permitting Portal to Boost Research and Conservation Efforts

The Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) has introduced an innovative online wildlife permitting portal. This new system, unveiled by the Cabinet Secretary for Wildlife and Tourism, Rebecca Miano, marks a pivotal shift from the traditional paper-based approach, drastically reducing the time required to obtain a wildlife research permit in Kenya. With this portal, the duration for issuing research permits has been cut from a month to just one day, a move that promises to streamline research activities and foster better decision-making in wildlife conservation.

The launch of the online portal is a timely response to the pressing challenges facing Kenya’s national parks and wildlife. Speaking at the Naivasha-based institute, CS Miano emphasized the government’s commitment to bolstering wildlife research funding, underscoring the critical role of research in guiding conservation efforts. “We are working with partners to raise more funds for research as decisions on wildlife management and conservation cannot be made without research and data,” Miano stated. Her remarks come at a time when the country’s wildlife landscapes are increasingly under threat from poaching, human encroachment, and climate change.

The introduction of the online permitting portal is expected to be a game-changer for researchers and conservationists alike. Previously, the process of obtaining a research permit was cumbersome, requiring researchers to travel to Naivasha to complete the necessary paperwork. This often led to delays and disruptions in various research programs. However, with the new system, researchers can now apply for permits through the government’s e-citizen portal, making the process more accessible and efficient.

Dr. Patrick Omondi, Director of the Wildlife Research and Training Institute, echoed Miano’s sentiments, noting that the online portal would significantly improve the ease of conducting wildlife research in Kenya. “In the past, it took days for researchers in different fields to get a research permit, a move that adversely affected many programs,” Omondi said. He added that the new system would allow for quicker and more effective responses to emerging conservation challenges.

The launch of the portal coincides with the successful completion of the first phase of Kenya’s national wildlife census, an initiative spearheaded by WRTI. Dr. Omondi provided an update on the census, which has already been conducted in key ecosystems such as Maasai Mara, Athi-Kapiti, and Amboseli. The census aims to establish the current status of wildlife populations and their distribution across the country. This data will be crucial in shaping future conservation strategies, especially in regions facing significant threats from poaching and human encroachment.

“In the second phase, we shall be moving to Nakuru, Naivasha, and other closed ecosystems like Solai, and the data obtained will help in decision-making in wildlife conservation,” Omondi explained. He highlighted the multiple challenges facing Kenya’s wildlife landscapes, including the increasing human and livestock populations that continue to encroach on natural habitats.

The Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Wildlife, Silvia Museiya, also addressed the press, emphasizing the importance of the ongoing wildlife census in addressing the various threats to Kenya’s wildlife population and water sources. “The ongoing national wildlife census would come in handy in addressing the challenges, which include an increase in human population, climate change, and emerging diseases,” Museiya noted. She also mentioned that the government recently held its first-ever scientific conference, with findings that will be critical in shaping future conservation efforts.

In a related development, WRTI board chairman David Nkedianye announced the formation of an ad hoc committee tasked with transferring land from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to WRTI. This move is expected to further strengthen the institute’s capacity to conduct research and implement conservation programs.

The launch of the online wildlife permitting portal and the ongoing wildlife census underscore the Kenyan government’s dedication to preserving its rich biodiversity. By leveraging technology and data-driven research, Kenya is poised to make significant strides in wildlife conservation, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the country’s natural heritage.