Author: Henry Omondi

Mixed Fortunes for Kenya’s Endangered Wildlife as Elephants Thrive but Hirola Numbers Crash

by Henry Omondi -
Mixed Fortunes for Kenya's Endangered Wildlife as Elephants Thrive but Hirola Numbers Crash Kenya's latest wildlife population estimates show mixed fortunes for endangered species between 2021 and 2025, reflecting both conservation gains and emerging threats. The new census data reveals encouraging progress for several flagship species. Elephant numbers rose significantly from 36,280 to 42,072, signalling continued success in anti-poaching efforts and habitat protection across the country's national parks and reserves. Black rhinos also recorded steady growth, increasing from 897 to 1,059, while southern white rhinos climbed from 842 to 1,041. These figures underscore the effectiveness of Kenya's decades-long rhino conservation strategy, which has focused on intensive veterinary care, dehorning, and armed security. However, not all species are recovering. The hirola antelope—one of the world's rarest antelopes—dropped sharply from 497 to 245, raising fresh concerns about its survival. Found mainly in northeastern Kenya, the hirola faces habitat degradation, predation, and competition with livestock. Lions also declined slightly, from 2,589 to 2,512, pointing to ongoing human-wildlife conflict and habitat pressures. As human populations expand into traditional lion territories, retaliatory killings and prey depletion remain serious challenges. The critically endangered northern white rhino remains at just two individuals—both females residing under 24-hour armed guard at Ol Pejeta Conservancy. With no surviving males, the subspecies' future now depends entirely on advanced reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization. On a brighter note, the mountain bongo showed modest recovery, rising from 150 to 179. This rare forest antelope has benefited from captive breeding and reintroduction programmes in the Aberdare highlands. Overall, the data highlights Kenya's progress in conservation, but also the need for sustained intervention to protect vulnerable species before they slip further toward extinction.

Kenya's latest wildlife population estimates show mixed fortunes for endangered species between 2021 and 2025, reflecting both conservation gains and emerging threats. The new census data reveals encouraging progress for several flagship species. Elephant numbers rose significantly from 36,280 to 42,072, signalling continued success in anti-poaching efforts and habitat protection across

“Why Are You So Mean With Your Applause?” Ruto Playfully Scolds Audience at Judges’ Swearing-In

by Henry Omondi -
"Why Are You So Mean With Your Applause?" Ruto Playfully Scolds Audience at Judges' Swearing-In

President William Ruto brought an unexpected moment of humor to an otherwise formal judiciary event on Wednesday, playfully scolding the audience at State House, Nairobi, for being “very mean with their applause.” The lighthearted reprimand came during the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed judges—an occasion typically characterized by solemn addresses, legal

Ruto, Oburu Lead High-Level ODM–UDA Meeting Amid Zoning Dispute Tensions

by Henry Omondi -
Ruto, Oburu Lead High-Level ODM–UDA Meeting Amid Zoning Dispute Tensions

A high-level political meeting bringing together the leadership of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) was convened at State House, Nairobi, signaling renewed efforts to stabilize the evolving broad-based political arrangement ahead of the 2027 General Election. The meeting was co-chaired by President William Ruto alongside

South C Residents Protest Over Safety of Buildings

by Henry Omondi -
South C Residents Protest Over Safety of Buildings

Residents of South C, Nairobi, staged a peaceful demonstration on Monday following the tragic collapse of a residential building along Muhoho Avenue earlier this year. The protest, which culminated at Uhuru Park, brought together community members, local leaders, and activists demanding accountability and stricter enforcement of construction regulations. Residents warned that

CS Ruku Assures Kenyans of Merit-Based Public Service Hiring

by Henry Omondi -
CS Ruku Assures Kenyans of Merit-Based Public Service Hiring

Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, has assured Kenyans that the government has established firm structures to guarantee fairness and meritocracy in public service recruitment. Speaking during a Sunday service at ACK St John's Apostle Kanyuambora in Mbeere North, Embu County, the CS emphasized

Murderers to Get Just 30 Years in Proposed Penal Code Changes

by Henry Omondi -
Murderers to Get Just 30 Years in Proposed Penal Code Changes

A new bill before Kenya's Parliament seeks to scrap the mandatory death penalty for capital offenses, allowing judges to sentence convicted murderers, traitors, and armed robbers to as little as 30 years in prison instead of death. The Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposes redefining "imprisonment for life" as a term