Across the dry plains of Wajir County, wildlife and people share the same land, water, and hope for survival. But for many years, poaching and habitat loss threatened the delicate balance of life here. In response, Sabuli Wildlife Conservancy took a bold step—training and deploying community rangers drawn from the very families who live with wildlife every day.
These rangers are the heart of Sabuli’s conservation work. They patrol vast rangelands, deter illegal hunting, and monitor the health of wildlife populations, including the reticulated Somali giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, and beisa oryx. Working hand in hand with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and local security teams, they act as both protectors and ambassadors of coexistence.
Armed with simple tools like GPS trackers and radios—and big dreams of acquiring drones and digital systems—the rangers cover hundreds of kilometers each month. Their local knowledge makes them effective in gathering intelligence, identifying threats, and building trust among pastoralist communities.
What makes Sabuli’s approach different is community ownership. When conservation jobs go to local youth and women, families gain income, pride, and purpose. The rangers are not outsiders; they are sons, daughters, and neighbors—protecting their own home.
By investing in local capacity, Sabuli is proving that conservation led by the community is the most sustainable path forward. Each patrol strengthens security, protects endangered species, and nurtures hope for a peaceful, thriving rangeland in northern Kenya.
