Research Charter

Kenya Wildlife Service undertakes and coordinates biodiversity research and monitoring through the Biodiversity Research & Monitoring Division. The Division directs and co-coordinates effective implementation of biodiversity research and monitoring activities through providing scientific and technical information in pursuit of conservation and management of Kenya's invaluable biodiversity.

In addition, the Division formulates strategic policies and plans used for sustainable management of wildlife and their habitats. The Division works towards specific objectives that include:

1. Improvement of conservation status of Kenya’s biodiversity and protected areas (National Parks, National Reserves and Sanctuaries) through application of appropriate scientific principles, including monitoring the carrying capacities of the protected areas, and undertaking appropriate wildlife population management strategies through restocking and translocation programmes;
2. Oversee the development of biodiversity research and monitoring policies and guidelines, including review and approval of biodiversity research concepts that apply to nationally and internationally accepted paradigms and protocols;
3. Conduct and supervise targeted research and monitoring activities and programmes that support and promote conservation of biodiversity in Kenya;
4. Provide scientific information, findings and technical advice on  Kenya’s biodiversity status, trends and threats to support management programmes;
5. Promote and enhanced scientific knowledge and public appreciation of Kenya’s wildlife, their population, distribution, etc and conservation needs through effective biodiversity monitoring systems for priority species, sites and habitats, and provide relevant scientific inputs for sustainable use of biodiversity in Kenya ;
6. Maintain viable, healthy breeding populations of wildlife through disease surveillance and monitoring, prompt clinical interventions and captive wildlife management;
7. Develop and maintain a multi purpose library and biodiversity information systems that provide scientific information for conservation and management of Kenya’s biodiversity;
8. Improve the overall national capacity to conduct, supervise biodiversity research and monitoring;
9. Initiate and strengthen collaboration with relevant research institutions and partners nationally and internationally including development of memoranda of understanding for enhanced biodiversity research and monitoring activities;
10. Contribute towards development, promotion, domestication and implementation of environmental and conservation policies in Kenya including international conventions, treaties and strategies especially those dealing with environmental issues;
11. Conduct performance appraisal and develop relevant reviews that identify research capacity building needs, make appropriate recommendations and prepare action plans;
12. Mobilize and secure resources through projects developments to support new and promote existing biodiversity research and monitoring programmes;
    To achieve the above objectives, the Division has a team of scientists who undertake, facilitate and coordinate research activities at national level, and focal research stations established in key ecosystems in Kenya. The Division is structured into six Departments to enhance implementation, coordination of the programmes and activities as outlined in the objectives. These Departments include:

• Conventions, Research Permits & Licensing;
• Ecological Monitoring, Biodiversity Information Management and Biodiversity Valuation;

• Ecosystems and Landscapes Conservation and Management;
• Environmental Planning and Assessment;
• Species Conservation and Management;
• Veterinary and Capture Services.