By Peter Ochieng
Kenyans have been urged to be wary of fake Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) ranger recruitment calling letters doing rounds on social media.
The fake letters have names officers who have purportedly been recruited by the agency, complete with areas to report and the reporting date.
They also have the alleged signature of KWS Director General, Dr. Erastus Kanga. While flagging the letters, KWS said they are being shared by fraudsters.
“Beware of fake ranger recruitment calling letters! The attention of Kenya Wildlife Service has been drawn to fake calling letters being issued by fraudsters. We strongly advise the public to be vigilant of the fake letters and report the fraudsters to the nearest KWS Station or Police Station.”
“The documents making rounds on social media platforms and purported to be issued by KWS are fraudulent and criminal. They are intended to mislead and besmirch the name of KWS,” added the KWS statement.
“Our Investigations department is working closely with other security agencies to establish the source of the fake calling letters and those behind it.”
Last month, the State Corporation sought to recruit 1,500 young and dynamic individuals as cadets (Assistant Warden I), 150 positions and rangers, 1,350 posts, who could endure the condition for training and deployment to various conservation areas in response to the wildlife protection challenges currently being experienced in the country.
Requirements included one being a citizen of Kenya, hold a Kenya national Identity Card/Passport, hail from the county of recruitment, possess a minimum mean grade of “D” (Plain) in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination or its equivalent from an examination body recognized in Kenya, be aged between 18 and 26 years, be physically and medically fit, and have no criminal record.
The recruitment exercise was conducted across the country, from Monday 15th April to Friday 19th April, 2024.
KWS is a State Corporation established as a uniformed and disciplined service by the Wildlife (Conservation and Management) Act of 1989 (now repealed and replaced by the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act No. 47 of 2013).
The overall mandate of the Service is to conserve and manage national parks, sanctuaries and wildlife in the country and enforce related laws and regulations.
The Service is also responsible for management and protection of important and critical water catchment, areas and also complements other national security agencies in combating insecurity and counter-terrorism initiatives.