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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

Opposition Leaders in Solidarity with Governor Kawira Mwangaza

by Chris Omondi -

Impeached former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza welcomed United Opposition leaders to her Ntumbiri residence. In a statement shared on social media early Sunday, March 8, 2026, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced his visit alongside Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democratic Party leader Justin Bedan Muturi, and former Meru Senator Mithika

Caroli Omondi: Raila Rejected Broad-Based Political Deal

by Chris Omondi -

Mbunge wa Suba Kusini Caroli Omondi ambaye ametaka Wakenya kumuombea Kinara wa ODM Raila Odinga 'ili apone haraka'. Picha|Maktaba Suba South Member of Parliament Caroli Omondi has asserted that the late Raila Odinga distanced himself from certain leaders who aligned with the so-called broad-based political arrangement, suggesting that their actions contradicted

France Probes Ex-Minister Jack Lang Over Epstein Links

by Chris Omondi -

French financial crime prosecutors have initiated a preliminary inquiry into former Culture Minister Jack Lang due to his connections with Jeffrey Epstein. Lang, a prominent figure in French socialist administrations from the 1980s to the early 2000s, is under investigation for allegedly laundering proceeds from tax fraud.This inquiry follows the

Lugari MP Warns Oburu: Kakamega Loyalty Must Be Earned, Not Inherited

by Chris Omondi -

Lugari Member of Parliament (MP) Nabii Nabwera has issued a clear warning to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Odinga: the loyalty that the people of Kakamega held for the late Raila Odinga cannot simply be transferred. During the disbursement of the Uwezo Fund in Shinyalu Constituency on January

World Religion Day: Why Kenya Must Regulate Faith Without Undermining Worship

by Chris Omondi -

World Religion Day occurs annually to remind individuals that faith, at its best, should unite humanity, promote peace, and guide moral living.This day aims to foster understanding among diverse religions and encourages reflection on how spiritual beliefs can contribute to building a just and caring society.In Kenya, where religion is

Sudan Government Returns to Khartoum After Years in Port Sudan

by Chris Omondi -

Sudan's military-led government has made its return to the capital after nearly three years of operating from its wartime base in Port Sudan. Prime Minister Kamil Idris addressed reporters on Sunday, announcing that the "government of hope" is officially back in Khartoum and is set to commence initiatives aimed at