By Nyang’au Araka
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Zeitz Foundation have launched a landmark rhino translocation operation, moving critically endangered eastern black rhinos from Ol Pejeta Conservancy to Segera Conservancy.
The event, which took place on Saturday, marks a major step towards establishing one of the largest connected rhino habitats in the world.
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The initiative, officially launched by Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano at Segera in Laikipia County, will see 21 eastern black rhinos relocated to the 50,000-acre conservancy.
The goal is to protect the species while supporting surrounding communities through conservation-based economies.
“The translocation is a bold affirmation of Kenya’s enduring commitment to securing a future for one of the world’s most iconic yet critically endangered species,” said Ms Miano.
Kenya’s Leadership in Rhino Conservation
Kenya is home to 80% of the global eastern black rhino population. Since the Kenya Wildlife Service was established in 1989, the black rhino population has grown from 384 to 1,059 by the end of 2024.
Additionally, the country hosts 1,041 southern white rhinos and the last two known northern white rhinos.
Ms Miano attributed this progress to joint efforts between the national government, county governments, conservation partners, and local communities. However, she cautioned that the species’ survival remains precarious despite these gains.
The Segera Rhino Sanctuary is part of a broader plan to create a vast, contiguous rhino range anchored in Laikipia.
“This is proof that conservation is no longer confined to formally protected areas; it can thrive wherever land, good governance, and love for wildlife converge,” said KWS Director-General Prof Erustus Kanga.
Community Benefits and Strategic Collaboration
Jochen Zeitz, founder of the Zeitz Foundation, emphasized the importance of expanding safe habitats for rhinos while enhancing community development.
“By giving the rhinos a new expansive home, we expect to see their numbers increase significantly while also boosting biodiversity conservation and supporting communities in Central Kenya,” he said.
The Segera Rhino Sanctuary is expected to improve ecological connectivity and generate opportunities for local employment, capacity building, and conservation-based livelihoods. It will also serve as an educational resource for schools and community groups.
The rhinos selected for the initial phase were born and raised in Ol Pejeta Conservancy (OPC).
“We believe that the future of black rhinos depends on strategic range expansion and collaborative conservation,” said Samuel Mutisya, OPC’s Head of Research and Species Conservation.
“By contributing nine individuals to Segera, we are not just moving rhinos — we are seeding a new population in a secure and well-managed landscape,” he added. The initiative aligns with OPC’s science-driven approach to species recovery.
The 18-day translocation process will involve close monitoring by KWS specialists to ensure the rhinos adjust safely to their new environment.
Enhanced security and ecological oversight will protect both the animals and surrounding communities. Organizers confirmed that existing land rights and boundaries would remain unaffected.
Segera Conservancy offers much-needed space to relieve pressure from overpopulated rhino sanctuaries, contributing to Kenya’s goal of reaching a population of 2,000 black rhinos by 2037.
