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The Rhino Cement Foundation, a charity funded by ARM Cement pledged to adopt and name a vulnerable baby rhino at the LEWA Wildlife Conservancy.
The Cement Company had the privilege of naming the rhino ‘Kilifi’, in honor of Kilifi County, the location of the company’s first cement plant. The naming ceremony was graced by various influential guests such as the Principal Secretary from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources; Richard Lesiyampe, the Governor of Isiolo County; Adhi Godana Doyo, Governor of Kilifi County; Amos Kingi and the Kilifi Senator; Steve Mdzayo. Other invited guests included Kaya elders from Kilifi, who were clothed in traditional attire and officiated the naming ceremony.
Lewa’s Rhino Conservation is home to flourishing populations of both white and black Rhinos. The Conservation currently has a population of 68 black rhinos and 56 white rhinos. However the cost of protecting and nurturing the wildlife comes at a high cost and constitutes over 50% of their annual budget.
Speaking at the naming ceremony, the CEO of LEWA Wildlife Conservancy, Mike Watson was quoted stating “It is an honor to have Athi River Mining Cement and The Rhino Cement Foundation on board towards this admirable initiative. Lewa’s Rhino Conservation Programme success depends on the support and contributions from the community, businesses and like-minded people who acknowledge the fact that we must endeavor to protect our wildlife. I believe that without the generosity and vision of our past and present supporters, Lewa would not be what it is today”
The population of black rhinos in Kenya has drastically dropped from 20,000 in the 1980s to less than 700 due to rampant illegal killing of the rhino for its horn. This represents a loss of 4.5 rhinos a day for 10 years. Currently there are an estimated 620 black rhinos in Kenya which is a stronghold of the last remaining population of the Eastern sub-species (Diceros bicornis michaeli).
As a response to this worrying trend which is as a he result of poaching; there are concerted efforts by the government and some partners to protect this endangered species. These efforts include the setting up of specially protected and fenced sanctuaries for rhino conservation such as Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (LWC) and Ol Pejeta Conservancy that help maximize the rhinos breeding potential and using surplus animals to re-stock any new areas.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and The Rhino Cement Foundation both demonstrate sustainable environmental practices that benefit the local communities.
“ARM is not only committed to building Africa through infrastructure, but through other various initiatives targeted towards the growth of our economy and community at large. One of the steps towards this goal can be achieved through the long-term protection of our environment.” said Pradeep Paunrana, The CEO of ARM
Speaking at the ceremony The Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources addressed the current issue on poaching in Kenya. “I take this opportunity to emphasize the importance that our wildlife plays in our national economy. We therefore need to protect these endangered species, and I encourage other stakeholders to keep the fire burning till our wildlife is secured from criminals.”
The Governor of Kilifi, Amos Kingi added that he is greatly honored to have ARM name the rhino ‘Kilifi’. He also noted the importance of conserving our wildlife, as it is has a direct effect on our tourism especially in Mombasa.
Photo Courtesy of LEWA Wildlife Conservancy
