Dr Aruho lands global IUCN role in boost for Kenya conservation
Newly Appointed, Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC) Head Dr Robert Aruho. Photo by/Anthony Ochieng
Kenya’s growing influence in global wildlife conservation has received a major boost after Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC) Head Dr Robert Aruho was appointed Co-Chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC) Antelope Specialist Group.
The appointment places Kenya at the centre of international efforts to conserve more than 90 antelope species, with Dr Aruho set to help steer global strategies on species recovery, habitat restoration and science-led conservation alongside conservation biologist Violeta Barrios, Chief Operating Officer of Sahara Conservation.
Kenya takes centre stage in antelope conservation
Speaking after his appointment on Tuesday, July 14, Dr Aruho said the growing threats facing wildlife require stronger international collaboration among governments, scientists and conservation organisations.
“Conservation challenges have become increasingly global, requiring stronger collaboration across governments, scientists and conservation organisations. I am honoured to serve as Co-Chair of the Antelope Specialist Group and look forward to working with colleagues worldwide to strengthen science-led conservation, support species recovery, and build greater collaboration that benefits threatened antelope populations and the ecosystems they sustain,” he said.
His appointment comes as many antelope species face increasing pressure from habitat loss, climate change, poaching and human-wildlife conflict.
Mountain Bongo recovery earns global recognition
Dr Aruho’s elevation follows years of leading one of Africa’s most successful wildlife recovery programmes at Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy.
Since joining the conservancy, he has expanded Kenya’s Mountain Bongo breeding programme into the world’s largest conservation population of the critically endangered subspecies, with the population now exceeding 100 animals.
Earlier this year, he also led the successful repatriation of four male Mountain Bongos from European zoos to strengthen the genetic diversity of the breeding programme, reinforcing Kenya’s long-term plans to restore the species in the wild.
MKWC Patron and IUCN Patron of Nature Humphrey Kariuki described the appointment as recognition of both Dr Aruho’s scientific leadership and Kenya’s growing contribution to global conservation.
“This appointment is a proud moment not only for Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy but also for Kenya and the wider conservation community across Africa. Dr Aruho has dedicated his career to protecting endangered wildlife through science, innovation and collaboration,” Kariuki said.
He added that the Mountain Bongo recovery programme had become one of Africa’s leading conservation success stories, demonstrating the value of sustained investment in science, partnerships and species restoration.
African expertise gains global influence
With more than two decades of experience as a wildlife veterinarian, Dr Aruho has led advances in wildlife health, genetics, habitat restoration and conservation technology.
Before joining MKWC, he served as Senior Wildlife Veterinarian and Head of Species Programmes at the Uganda Wildlife Authority, where he spearheaded wildlife health interventions, translocations and recovery initiatives for threatened species across East Africa.
His new global role is expected to strengthen international collaboration, research partnerships and knowledge sharing while reinforcing the growing influence of African conservation experts in shaping global biodiversity policies and species recovery efforts.
