Testimonials

Leaders

“This fence is a valuable asset in our efforts to protect wildlife as well as forest resources. Several critically endangered species including the black rhino and the mountain bongo are now better protected within a fenced ecosystem. Indeed, the Aberdares is a precious site of valuable biodiversity. We all have a duty to protect this God-given heritage in the interest of present and future generations of humanity.”

From H.E. President Mwai Kibaki

Leaders

“The work done on the Aberdares has transformed it into a model for all other water towers. We should follow this model to conserve and protect the remaining water towers.”

From Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga

Leaders

“I have just read your most recent report and I wanted you to know of my deep appreciation to you all for the tremendous work of Rhino Ark. I recall the start and scepticism that many had but we were all wrong. Fantastic and I do know how grateful KWS is for your wonderful work. Keep it up!”

From Dr Richard Leakey

Leaders

“I feel honoured to play a role in the conservation of the Aberdares Forest System, a forest that plays important socio-economic and ecological roles not only for the local communities surrounding the forests but also for the global community through reducing global warming.”

From The late Nobel Laureate, Professor Wangari Maathai

Leaders

“I was hugely impressed by what Rhino Ark with its partners (KWS, KFS and the communities living on the fence line) have achieved. This seems to be a superb model of what such a project should seek to be, achieving a whole variety of aims (conservation, community benefit and water resource protection) and creating a genuine partnership with all those involved.”

From Lord Aberdare

Leaders

“I am delighted to be a part of the launch of the National Recovery and Action Plan for the Mountain Bongo. It augurs well for the future of the critically endangered mountain bongo, because the plan has been set up to rescue it from extinction.”

From Hon. Najib Balala

Leaders

“The commissioning of the Mau Eburu Electric Fence is a great example of the success and impact Public-Private Partnerships can bring to communities. I commend Rhino Ark on their continuous conservation efforts.”

From Hon. Keriako Tobiko

Partners

“The Aberdares conservation efforts underline the extraordinary and wide ranging returns possible when a more creative, decisive and sustainable approach to managing nature is undertaken. They also offer a model for exemplary public/private partnerships.”

From Achim Steiner

Partners

“The human imprint is almost invisible, yet it is thanks to the wise decision of humans that the unique and glorious environment of the Aberdares has been saved.”

From Virginia Mckenna

Partners

“I hope that the great success and vision that Rhino Ark has brought to the Aberdare Fence will somehow be repeated for other critical sites in Kenya, most importantly Mt. Kenya and the Mau Forest Complex.”

From Dr. Tom Butynski

Community

“The fence has created a secure environment. It has helped to improve children’s performance in school as well as the number of children enrolled in school. Farming productivity in the area has greatly improved and land values are up. Farmers are now confident enough to grow horticultural crops, which they could not do before the fence.”

From Peter Maina Kibuka

Community

“When I was a little girl, before the fence was built, we once lost 9 cows and 30 goats to wildlife in one night. There was such bitterness and desperation in those days. We would spend our nights concentrating on wildlife problems instead of studying. The fence has solved so many problems for us.”

From Catherine Kinyanjui

Community

“Before the fence was built we were never sure of our harvest. When our crops were ready we would sell quickly at a low price otherwise we would lose the crop to elephants. Now, with the fence, we can set a good price and take our time to sell because our crops are safe.”

From Wilson Gioko

Community

“Previously we had abandoned cultivating food crops and only depended on food from the market but now with the fence we’ve planted maize and arrow roots and are assured of harvesting. The fence is effective because ever since this fence was built not a single elephant has returned into my farm.”

From Beatrice Wanjiru

Partners

“The Kenya Wildlife Service is appreciative of Rhino Ark conservation education curricula. This commendable endeavour will preserve our ecosystems. Rhino Ark is effectively engaging schools. Education on environmental conservation will play a major role in protecting our ecosystem for future generations.”

From Tabitha Kariuki