Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Alex Lemarkoko hosted Zoological Society of London (ZSL) CEO Kathryn England at the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Headquarters in Karura, Nairobi. England was accompanied by ZSL Chief Conservation Officer Andrew Terry.
The meeting reviewed the KFS–ZSL partnership, which began in 2024 and was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in December 2025. Discussions focused on ranger capacity development, biodiversity conservation, forest protection, community engagement, emerging conservation challenges and opportunities to strengthen future collaboration.
The partnership has supported the training of Forest Law Enforcement Academy (FoLEA) instructors through a Training of Trainers programme, alongside rangers from Kericho, Nyeri and Eldoret. The training covered forest and wildlife management, conflict de-escalation, ranger–community relations, leadership and mentorship.
“Our partnership with ZSL is delivering tangible gains for Kenya’s forests and the people who protect them,” said CCF Lemarkoko. “Through the Training of Trainers and in-situ training for 70 rangers, we are strengthening ranger capacity, improving conflict de-escalation and community engagement, and enhancing the protection of forests and biodiversity for future generations.”
England said Kenya was her first official country programme visit as ZSL CEO and was particularly significant as the organisation marks its 200th anniversary. She reaffirmed ZSL’s commitment to working with KFS to strengthen ranger capacity, advance community-based conservation and promote innovative approaches to forest and biodiversity protection as part of a stronger, long-term conservation partnership.
