KWS dismisses reports of mining activities in Tsavo East National Park

Director General of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Erustus Kanga. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has dismissed reports circulating on social media that mining activities are happening in Tsavo East National Park.

This follows the circulation of images on social media showing wide canals dug into the ground, with some Kenyans claiming that the location was part of the park.

KWS has since clarified that the photos were not taken from the park.

"The images being shared are from the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project, located in Galana Ranch by the Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC), which is adjacent to Tsavo East National Park," said KWS in a statement dated Monday, August 13.

According to the corporation, the security project is spearheaded by the State Department of Irrigation with the aim of enhancing food security in the country through large-scale irrigation and sustainable farming practices.

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