Isiolo county appeals for return of rhinos to its game reserves

According to Silvia Museiya Kihoro, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Wildlife, Isiolo is among the regions under consideration as potential habitats for the endangered rhinoceros.

Speaking during World Rhino Day celebrations on Monday, the PS noted that neighboring Meru, Laikipia, and Samburu counties already host rhino sanctuaries, making it timely to explore strategies for reintroducing them to Isiolo.

She emphasized that security remains the most critical factor when selecting sites for rhino conservation, given their endangered status.

Museiya also assured Isiolo residents who are awaiting compensation for losses caused by human–wildlife conflict that the government is expediting the payments.

“The return of rhinos will not only strengthen tourism but also enhance security in conservation areas, bringing economic benefits to local communities,” she said.

Isiolo County Executive Committee Member for Tourism, Dr. Lawrence Mwongela, attributed the disappearance of rhinos from Isiolo four decades ago to poaching and insecurity. 

He said that their absence has negatively impacted both biodiversity and community livelihoods, which rely heavily on tourism revenue.

Mwongela stressed that restoring rhinos would revitalize local tourism, create more livelihood opportunities, and reinforce Isiolo’s strategic position as a premier tourist destination. He added that rhinos would complement cultural tourism in the county.

He further affirmed that Isiolo county is committed to the National Rhino Strategy and will collaborate with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and other conservation partners to ensure the successful reintroduction of rhinos into the Bisanadi Game Reserve.

Isiolo has three game reserves; Shaba, Buffalo Springs and Bisanadi.