A wildlife ranger inspects a dead giraffe that was trapped by a fence in the Mailwa area in Kajiado Central. [File, Standard]
For generations, the reticulated giraffe has roamed the dry plains of northern Kenya, its distinctive reddish-brown coat marked by an intricate pattern of white lines.
But across Garissa, Wajir and Mandera, one of Kenya’s most recognisable wildlife species faces growing threats from drought, habitat pressure, human-wildlife conflict and poaching for meat.
Conservationists say the killings are occurring at an alarming rate, while the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) insists intensified security operations have significantly reduced wildlife crime.
The dispute has placed the Somali giraffe, one of northern Kenya’s iconic species, at the centre of a wider debate over whether wildlife protection in the region is receiving adequate resources.
The North Eastern Conservancies Association (NECA) claims at least three Somali giraffes are being illegally killed every day across parts of northern Kenya.