Kenya has partnered with Canada and the Red Cross to offer advanced first aid training for wildlife rangers to enhance their capacity to response to physical injuries. 
The first batch of 42 rangers trained under this program graduated on Friday at a ceremony graced by Canadian High Commissioner to Kenya, David Angell, and senior officials at Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
“Canada has pledged solidarity with Kenya to promote wildlife conservation through capacity development for personnel charged with protecting this resource,” Angell said.
The graduation ceremony for the rangers trained on elite first aid courses took place at Tsavo West National Park, home to iconic wildlife species.
Canada has strengthened its bilateral cooperation with Kenya in key areas like trade, wildlife protection and tourism. Angell revealed that his government has earmarked 2 million U.S. dollars to support the war against wildlife crimes in Kenya.
“During the London conference on poaching last year, the Canadian government made new pledges to boost the fight against this vice globally,” said Angell.
He revealed Canada has supported the establishment of a forensic laboratory alongside public education to boost the fight against wildlife crimes in Kenya.
“We have provided state of the art equipment like night goggles and helmets to enable rangers combat poaching effectively. The advanced first aid training will help minimize fatalities in the line of duty,” Angell told wildlife officials.
Kenya has lost over 65 rangers from attack by poachers, wild animals as well as accidents like drowning and fall from steep hills in the past four decades.
Officials emphasized that elite first aid training courses were crucial as wildlife rangers face the risk of physical injuries from poachers and environmental hazards.
“Inadequate first aid skills have worsened the loss of talented rangers who suffer serious injuries while in the line of duty. The new first aid training program will help minimize casualties when poachers strike,” said Benjamin Kavu, the Deputy Director in charge of the KWS devolution and community services.
The wildlife agency, in partnership with Canadian government and the Red Cross, aims to train 450 rangers on advanced first aid skills.
“We have shortlisted wildlife rangers from all parts of the country to participate in the advanced first aid training course. The course will boost their knowledge on tactical combat care,” Kavu told reporters. Enditem
Source: Xinhua
