CS Miano rallies nation to protect rhinos as Kenya marks World Rhino Day

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has issued a renewed call for collective efforts to protect rhinos from the twin threats of poaching and habitat loss.

In her statement to commemorate World Rhino Day on Monday, Miano highlighted Kenya’s remarkable conservation milestones, noting a steady increase in rhino numbers over the past decades.

“Today we celebrate incredible progress! Kenya's rhino population has grown from 381 in 1987 to over 1,600 today — proof that conservation works,” she said.

The Cabinet Secretary emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration among government agencies, conservationists, communities, and international partners to ensure that these iconic animals continue to thrive.

“Let’s continue to explore more and champion for the protection of these wonderful species for our future generations,” Miano added.

Echoing her sentiments, Principal Secretary at the State Department for Wildlife , Silvia Museiya stressed the role of local communities in the long-term success of conservation initiatives.

“By empowering communities to safeguard these iconic creatures, we preserve our national heritage, strengthen biodiversity, and ensure that future generations inherit a thriving and resilient ecosystem,” said Museiya.

This year’s World Rhino Day celebrations come at a time when Kenya is being lauded globally for its conservation gains.

According to the World Wide Fund for Nature Kenya (WWF Kenya), the population of black rhinos — once on the brink of collapse — has significantly rebounded.

“From fewer than 400 in 1989 to nearly 1,000 today, Kenya’s black rhino population has nearly doubled,” said WWF Kenya in a statement.

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) also praised ongoing efforts, stating that rhinos are a testament to the effectiveness of targeted conservation.

“Celebrating Kenya’s conservation wins. Our rhinos are living proof that protection works,” read a message from KTB.

Despite these local successes, the global rhino conservation landscape continues to face sobering challenges. The northern white rhino, a subspecies of the white rhinoceros, remains functionally extinct.

Only two known individuals, both female — Najin and Fatu — remain alive, and both are under round-the-clock protection at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya.

With no surviving males, natural reproduction is no longer possible. However, conservationists are working on assisted reproductive technologies, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), in a last-ditch effort to revive the subspecies.