Conservation stakeholders have officially launched an ultra-modern diagnostic facility in northern Kenya to address a longstanding gaps in wildlife health services in the region.

The state-of-the-art veterinary laboratory is expected to significantly enhance wildlife conservation efforts by providing timely and accessible diagnostic services in one of Africa’s most biodiverse regions.

LiNK, a satellite laboratory of the Kenya Wildlife Service, is strategically located at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and will serve the wider northern Kenya ecosystem.

The facility was established through a partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI), Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Northern Rangelands Trust, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance-Kenya and Rare Species Conservatory Foundation.

The laboratory will support veterinarians and wildlife rangers who respond daily to injuries, disease outbreaks, entanglements and other health concerns affecting wildlife and livestock.

Previously, biological samples such as blood, tissue and faecal matter had to be transported over long distances for testing, often delaying diagnosis and treatment. With LiNK now operational, samples can be analysed much closer to the field, enabling faster interventions and improved disease surveillance.

Speaking during the launch, KWS Director General Erastus Kanga described the facility as a major milestone in strengthening Kenya’s wildlife health and conservation infrastructure.

“The establishment of LiNK enhances our ability to respond swiftly to emerging wildlife health threats through science, innovation and strategic partnerships. It will play a critical role in protecting biodiversity, strengthening ecosystem resilience and supporting coexistence between wildlife, livestock and communities,” he said.

He added that with the facility they combining conservation and protection with serving the community such that when wildlife is integrating with livestock, they are able to offer veterinary services to the community because diseases between livestock and wildlife are transmitted each day.

“The lab will promote coexistence where communities will feel safer and happier knowing that even if a disease outbreak occurs, we have a lab that can diagnose and prescribe treatment,” Prof Kanga explained.

He thanked the partners for facilitating establishment of the world class lab that is highly vetted and that will offer the correct scientific information that will assist the community to take care of their livestock, the government and wildlife.

The laboratory is staffed by a specialised team responsible for receiving, processing, analysing, and securely storing biological samples. It will work closely with KWS and WRTI to ensure compliance with national veterinary and scientific standards.

According to Isaac Lekolool, the remoteness of northern Kenya has historically limited access to diagnostic services, often delaying treatment decisions and coordinated wildlife health responses.

“Link brings diagnostic capacity closer to the field, enabling faster response, stronger disease surveillance, and improved protection of wildlife, livestock and communities alike,” Dr Lekolool noted.

‎‎Beyond diagnostics, the facility will also serve as a temporary repository for biodiversity banking materials before they are transferred to a planned national bio-banking facility at the Wildlife Research and Training Institute in Naivasha.

The initiative is part of broader efforts to establish a regional bio-banking network that supports wildlife disease research, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem resilience.

Dr Francis Gakuya emphasised the importance of partnerships in addressing conservation and health challenges.

“Strengthening wildlife health systems is essential for safeguarding biodiversity and improving preparedness against diseases that affect wildlife, livestock and humans.

‎LiNK demonstrates how collaboration, science and innovation can deliver effective solutions,” he said.

‎‎Speaking on behalf of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Chief Programmes and Partnerships Officer John Kinoti said the facility would enhance animal health diagnostics, food safety, and disease surveillance and support a One Health approach through stronger collaborations between wildlife and livestock health sectors.

“Lewa Conservancy is home to endangered species like gravy zebra and rhinos which are easily affected by disease outbreaks. With the lab we are now sorted. This is a stitch in time and a hub that will sort out many problems we have both for wildlife and livestock,” Dr Kinoti said.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance of Kenya’s Director Dr Stephen Chege underlined the importance of early diagnosis, noting that diseases can rapidly devastate vulnerable wildlife populations.

“Early detection and diagnostics are the foundation of effective wildlife healthcare. LiNK will provide critical scientific capacity closer to wildlife, livestock and communities, strengthening our collective ability to protect biodiversity,” he said.

Other than testing, he added, we have young generation of veterinary medicine who will use this lab to do exchange programs.

Meanwhile, Paul R. Reillo described the laboratory as a game-changer for wildlife conservation that providing real-time diagnostic information that supports rapid veterinary intervention and effective species recovery efforts.

Shawn Dixon praised the leadership of Kenyan conservation partners and communities, noting that improved access to diagnostic services will strengthen disease monitoring and wildlife care across northern Kenya.

‎‎Lewa Chief Executive Officer Mike Watson said hosting LiNK represents a landmark investment in the future of conservation.

 “This laboratory significantly strengthens our collective ability to respond rapidly to wildlife health challenges, disease outbreaks and emerging threats facing wildlife and ecosystems across northern Kenya. It is a powerful example of what can be achieved through partnership and long-term commitment to conservation,” he said.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Dickson Mwiti

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