Lewa Conservancy to host Wildlife Ranger Challenge on Saturday

It’s all system go for the Africa Rangers Congress Challenge on Saturday September 20, at the Lewa Conservancy in Meru County.

The 21km race will mark the culmination of three days Africa Rangers Congress which kicked off at the conservancy on Wednesday where more than 150 Rangers from more than 20 African countries are participating.

The Rangers meet to share experiences, promote ranger welfare, and improve conservation efforts through collaboration and advocacy for better standards. 

These congresses, which have been for the first time in Kenya also provides a platform for rangers to discuss challenges, develop strategies for anti-poaching and community engagement, and advocate for essential support systems and policies, ultimately strengthening their vital role in protecting biodiversity and natural environments.

 Speaking to Citizen Digital, Lewa Conservancy Chief Executive Officer Mike Watson welcomed all the delegates in Kenya for the Africa Rangers Congress saying it’s a good opportunity for them to explore more.

“It’s very interesting seeing more than 150 delegates across Africa coming to Kenya to take part in this year's Africa Rangers Congress. We are truly honored for the African Rangers congress to choose Lewa and it’s a good opportunity for rangers to learn, to explore and share ideas.”

“For those who are doing the challenge on Saturday, that’s the climax of this Congress where 25 different teams will compete. The runners will carry backpacks weighing 21 kilograms as they will do 21 kilometers. Everyone is looking forward to seeing who is going to win. As Lewa, we are proud to host the event this year, I also have a team but may the best team win,” Head of Lewa Conservancy Anti-Poaching unit Edward Ndiritu said.

“I’m honored for the first time in Kenya and the mood is just amazing. As you know the Rangers welfare and standards is something which must be addressed and through this Congress we will achieve that. Rangers undergo a lot of issues ranging from metal, physical and psychological but such congress is a big way of solving it so I'm looking forward to earning more and interacting,” said Reginah Smith, Ranger Corporal with the Rhino Protection Unit in Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa.

The Wildlife Ranger Challenge brings together more than 150 ranger teams across 20 African countries in a multi-month campaign of endurance, teamwork and global solidarity.

During the culmination of the congress on Saturday, the rangers will be running 21 km race in full gear, carrying 22 kg backpacks, to demonstrate the physical and mental demands of their daily work on the frontline of conservation.