WWF-Kenya Launches ‘Pochi Kipepeo’ Initiative to Empower Female Rangers with Vital Hygiene Support

By Njeri Irungu

Nairobi, Kenya – In a landmark step toward advancing gender equity in conservation, WWF-Kenya, in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association (KWCA), unveiled the *‘Pochi Kipepeo’* hygiene care initiative at Panda House in Karen, Nairobi. The launch, presided over by WWF-Kenya Country Director Drew McVey, coincided with the global observance of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, reinforcing the critical link between rangers’ well-being and effective environmental protection.  
Female community rangers are the backbone of Kenya’s wildlife conservation efforts, braving harsh terrains and prolonged field deployments to safeguard the nation’s biodiversity. Yet, despite their indispensable role, many face profound challenges, including inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products, personal care resources, and sanitation facilities. Forced to navigate these difficulties in isolation, female rangers have long struggled to maintain their health and dignity, often at the cost of their performance and morale.  

The ‘Pochi Kipepeo’ (Swahili for ‘Butterfly Pack’) initiative seeks to change this reality by providing female rangers with customized hygiene kits containing essential personal care items. The project stems from a recent WWF-Kenya survey that exposed the urgent needs of the 271 women rangers working across Kenya’s conservancies. By addressing these gaps, the initiative not only enhances their welfare but also bolsters their capacity to carry out their demanding roles effectively.  

Speaking at the launch, Drew McVey emphasized the broader significance of the program: “When we invest in the health and dignity of female rangers, we invest in the resilience of Kenya’s conservation efforts. ‘Pochi Kipepeo’ is more than a hygiene pack—it’s a statement that women’s contributions to protecting our natural heritage must be met with unwavering support.”

The collaboration between WWF-Kenya and KWCA exemplifies the power of strategic alliances in tackling systemic barriers within conservation. By pooling resources, expertise, and community networks, the organizations have crafted a scalable solution that uplifts women while strengthening environmental stewardship.  

The event drew conservation leaders, community representatives, and media, all united in their call for inclusive and supportive work environments in the sector. Their collective presence underscored a growing recognition that safeguarding biodiversity begins with safeguarding those on the frontlines.  

Beyond its immediate impact, ‘Pochi Kipepeo’ symbolizes a shift toward valuing and enabling female leadership in conservation. As empowered rangers patrol, protect, and advocate for Kenya’s wildlife, initiatives like this ensure they can do so with dignity—transforming not only their lives but the future of conservation itself.

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