Edward Ndiritu

• Project: Lewa
• Function: Head of Anti-Poaching

Edward has been leading the anti-poaching unit of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Northern Rangelands Trust since 2012. He is responsible for the strategic development of the armed wildlife protection teams and all their operations. Edward is a Lewa «veteran»: he started as a ranger in the conservancy in 1997 and has worked for Lewa ever since.

Three questions for Edward

What is your motivation for the Lewa project?

My greatest motivation is every rhino birth – in my mind's eye I can see how the number of these endangered animals is rising again. In the early 1970s there were over 20,000 rhinos in Kenya – in 2013 their numbers were down to around 700. Now there are over 1,600 animals again.

An unforgettable moment in your project?

When I was promoted to Head of Anti-Poaching in 2012. At that time, poaching incidents were high, and the rangers in anti-poaching were deeply demoralized. I thought it would take a long time for the team to gain trust in me, as I was only a junior officer. But the trust came very quickly, and together we formed a strong team that has successfully turned the tide in the fight against poaching.

What is your greatest wish for your project?

That we have motivated, well-trained and well-equipped rangers. Because conservation is all about people.