{"id":4367,"date":"2025-09-29T14:01:04","date_gmt":"2025-09-29T14:01:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wiomsa.org\/wiompan\/?p=4367"},"modified":"2025-09-29T14:01:04","modified_gmt":"2025-09-29T14:01:04","slug":"kenya-marine-rangers-shine-at-the-african-ranger-congress-2025-in-lewa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wiomsa.org\/wiompan\/2025\/09\/29\/kenya-marine-rangers-shine-at-the-african-ranger-congress-2025-in-lewa\/","title":{"rendered":"Kenya Marine Rangers Shine at the African Ranger Congress 2025 in Lewa"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"LEWA CONSERVANCY, KENYA \u2013 The African Ranger Congress (ARC) 2025, held from September 17th to 21st at the iconic Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, was a landmark event for rangers across the continent. Under the theme \u201cImproving Ranger Welfare and Standards,\u201d the congress served as a powerful platform for unity, learning, and advocacy. The WIOMPAN Kenya Chapter was proudly represented by three of its distinguished marine rangers, who played significant roles in ensuring the voice of marine conservation was heard loud and clear.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our delegates Mr. Willys Osore (Warden, Watamu Marine National Park), Corporal Beatrice Jerop** (Mombasa Marine National Park), and Corporal Mohamed Namuna (Diani-Chale Marine National Reserve)\u2014actively contributed to sessions, shared valuable insights from the Kenyan coast, and built lasting connections with their terrestrial counterparts.<\/span><\/p>\n

Warden Willys Osore Takes Center Stage in Key Panel Discussion<\/b><\/p>\n

A major highlight was Warden Willys Osore’s participation as a key speaker on the critical panel, \u201cCompetent vs Trained Rangers: Rethinking Training, Skills and Standards for a Professional Ranger Force.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Moderated by Batian Craig, the discussion delved into the essential difference between formal training and the practical competency required in the field. Mr. Osore eloquently articulated the unique challenges faced by marine rangers, emphasizing that effective protection of our blue ecosystems demands more than just standard training.<\/span><\/p>\n

He stressed the need for continuous, specialized skill development in areas such as maritime law enforcement, advanced navigation, community engagement in coastal areas, and monitoring marine biodiversity in the face of climate change. His contributions were instrumental in advocating for tailored competency frameworks that recognize the distinct operational realities of rangers working in marine environments.<\/span><\/p>\n

Marine Conservation in the Spotlight<\/b>: Jerop and Namuna Present Kenyan Case Studies<\/span><\/p>\n

Corporals Beatrice Jerop and Mohamed Namuna captivated the audience with a compelling joint presentation on marine conservation efforts along the Kenyan coast. They shared insightful case studies from the Mombasa and Diani-Chale Marine Protected Areas, highlighting:<\/span><\/p>\n