Sixteen rangers lost their lives in the past year, five of them while on duty.
Kenya Forest Service said 11 died due to harsh and extreme working conditions.
Another 33 rangers sustained serious injuries while engaging illegal loggers. Some of those injured are now on wheelchairs.
KFS protects 6.4 million acres of gazetted forests and another 420 million acres under counties.
This was revealed on Wednesday as Kenya joined the rest of the world to commemorate World Rangers Day.
The day celebrates the work rangers do to protect the planet’s natural treasures and cultural heritage.
Rangers from Kenya Forest Service commemorated the day at headquarters while those from Kenya Wildlife Service celebrated in various parts of the country.
“Rangers are at the frontline in the conservation of nature, often going beyond the call of duty within challenging work environments. World Rangers Day celebrations draw attention to the great men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting and preserving our forests," Kunal Chowdhari, the KFS board chairman, said.
“In the fiscal year 2023-2024, the service recorded 33 injuries and lost another 16 rangers in the line of duty.”
Being a ranger is a difficult task as one endures difficult conditions, long hours, and significant risks, limited resources as they go about their work.
The rangers are tasked with the daunting role of protecting species and endangered ecosystems under challenging working environments.
The daily duties of a ranger include the onerous task of intercepting forest offenders and preempting illegal logging, suppressing forest fires, preventing illegal grazing of livestock and securing forest boundaries - efforts dedicated to keeping the integrity of our forests pristine.
Kenya Forest Service chief conservator Alex Lemarkoko said KFS is committed to continue improving the welfare and general working conditions of rangers.
These include the provision of a comprehensive medical cover, a recognition and rewards performance system, provision of housing, and timely promotions.
Further, the service has adopted and is leveraging technology to improve the efficiencies of rangers in the detection of forest crimes, surveillance, intelligence, monitoring and reporting.
“We have also rolled out the use of unmanned aerial vehicles that is enabling faster turnaround times in surveillance. An application - Survey 1-2-3 - is also enabling efficient monitoring and reporting of forest crimes. The service is in the process of developing national radio communication and surveillance infrastructure to enhance forest protection and security,” Lemarkoko said.
His speech was read on his behalf by principal deputy chief conservator of forests Charity Munyasia.
