At least 19 recruits have been recruited to join Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers in Makueni County.
Among those recruited included 16 men and 3 women who took position one in hotly contested races conducted at the Police Sports Ground in Wote town on Tuesday.
“We have recruited 19 persons here that comprises 10 men and 2 women who have undergone National Youth Service (NYS) and 7 others. This is according to the Presidential Directive,” said Senior Assistant Director Tsavo Conservation Area Captain Kenneth Ochieng while speaking to the media at the Police Sports Ground.
Ochieng disclosed that the counties that are close to the National Parks get more slots in recruitment because of the effects of the human/wildlife conflict in those areas.
“Kitui, Makueni and Taita Taveta have been given more slots compared to the other counties. This is because they neighbour the national parks and they get affected by human/wildlife conflict from time to time,” said the Senior Assistant Director.
He further said that the recruits were expected to be Kenyan citizens, have D plain and be aged between 18 and 26 years.
While the recruits who spoke said that the exercise was fair and transparent, hundreds of other youths who turned up to be recruited went home disappointed.
“For those who were unsuccessful, I say sorry to them, the competition was so stiff and wish them well next time,” said Ochieng.
During the event, Ochieng issued appointment letters to the 19 recruits which they will use to report to Manyani KWS training camp on 20/05/2024.
The recruits were challenged to be disciplined and be committed besides being honest even as they wait to undergo the training. The candidates were recruited from the 10 sub counties in the county.
By Patrick Nyakundi
