Projects · Aberdare Conservation Area
Aberdare Joint Surveillance Unit
The fence keeps most wildlife out of farms; AJSU keeps illegal activity out of the forest. Joint patrols and aerial support with KWS backstop the Aberdare fence.
Surveyed layers
Forest, park and fence layers for this landscape. Clear a box to hide that layer.
Problem: Even with 410 km of fence, poaching, illegal logging and fast-spreading wildfires can still threaten rhino, bongo and the catchments the Aberdares supply.
Action: The Aberdare Joint Surveillance Unit coordinates ground patrols, aerial support and rapid response with Kenya Wildlife Service and partner agencies. An elite team of seven community scouts patrols for logging, charcoal, snares and wildlife trapping, and joins fire response. Annual support for one scout is USD 3,000. A two-week patrol, covering rations, fuel and allowances, is USD 750.
Outcome: Crime and fire risks inside the conservation area are tackled directly, so the fence investment continues to protect black rhino habitat and the forest blocks that feed rivers downstream.
Goals
- Wildlife crime responseActive
- Wildfire readinessActive
- Joint KWS operationsActive
Partners
- Kenya Wildlife Service
- Kenya Forest Service
Evidence
Reports and knowledge products connected to this programme.
- South Western Mau update, 2026
Reports · 2026
- Mau and western Kenya status, September 2026
Reports · 2026
- SMART monitoring briefing
Reports · 2026
- Aberdare status briefing, 2026
Reports · 2026