KWS Responds After Reports of Mining in Tsavo East National Park

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has denied reports that mining was taking place in Tsavo East National Park.

This follows images of canals allegedly dug in the national park that have been widely circulated on social media.

In a statement dated August 12, KWS disclosed that the images being circulated online are not from Tsavo East National Park and that there is no mining activity taking place there.

"Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) wishes to dispel false information circulating on social media regarding alleged mining activities in the Tsavo East National Park.

"We wish to clarify that the images being shared online are not from the said Tsavo East National Park and that there are no mining activities taking place there," read part of the statement.

KWS disclosed that the images are from the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project which is located in Galana Ranch, adjacent to Tsavo East National Park.

"This project is being spearheaded by the State Department of Irrigation and is aimed at enhancing food security in Kenya through large-scale irrigation and sustainable farming practices," it added.

The wildlife watchdog maintained that, as part of the program, canals were being dug to facilitate water flow.

"As part of the program, canals are being constructed to facilitate water flow into irrigation farms," KWS explained.

The service maintained that it is committed to the conservation and protection of national parks and wildlife heritage.