Update on Situation in Kenya from AWF

Dear Jennifer,

I hope that all of you had a safe and happy holiday season. In addition to wishing you the very best for 2008, I want to update you on the situation in Kenya that has been widely reported by the international press over the past two weeks.

The closely contested national election on December 27, combined with some irregularities in voter tallying has created conflict and exacerbated tensions in this historically politically stable African nation. All of us at the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) are keeping all Kenyans and our Africa-based staff in our immediate thoughts during these tense times. We are gratified to report that all of Kenya-based staff are safe and affirm that everyone at AWF remains strongly committed to working with the Kenyan government and local communities to preserve and protect Africa’s natural heritage.

Last week’s disturbances were largely confined to low-income areas of Nairobi, as well as the Rift Valley and western Kenya, two political opposition strongholds. I am happy to report that since Monday, January 7, most areas of Nairobi have reopened for business. Reports from the field indicate that national parks and other protected wildlife areas were never a focus of disturbance during last week’s violence, and encouragingly, most tourist activities proceeded in a near ‘business as usual’ manner. Thankfully, the demonstrations planned for this week have been canceled, and the two leaders of the major political parties and Kenyans in general are working towards a solution so that the violence does not recur.

There is no doubt that Kenya’s international reputation for stability and peace has suffered. A recent article in the Washington Post discusses the impact of the situation on Kenya’s tourism-based economy, a main source of revenue. AWF is committed to working closely with our Kenyan partners engaged in conservation and the wildlife tourism community-and as per our mission, we will strive to find the right economic balance to promote development that complements conservation efforts and improves people’s livelihoods.

Be assured, we are watching the situation very closely and will keep you posted if there are major developments that affect AWF’s operations.

Kind Regards,
Helen W. Gichohi, Ph.D.
President AWF
Nairobi, Kenya