Although the KBDCA’s remoteness and wilderness characteristics attract visitors to the area, as a place of work it is a difficult and isolated environment that presents many challenges to the area’s workforce. These factors, combined with poor transport and communication links, can have negative impacts on the morale of KBDCA staff, and consequently their ability to perform to their maximum potential. Under this management objective, therefore, the follow- ing management actions will be implemented to boost staff performance: implement the sector management organisational structure; provide and maintain adequate staff welfare facilities; liaise with Ministry of Health to enhance the management of health clinics in the area; provide necessary working tools and gear to staff; and liaise with KWS Training Section in carrying out a staff training needs assessment and training staff in relevant skills. These actions are elaborated in the following sections.
Action 2.1: Implement the sector management organisational structure
This management plan recommends establishment of a sector based administrative struc- ture similar to the ones established in Mt Kenya, Tsavo, Aberdare and Meru Conservation Areas. The sector administrative structure is implemented in large conservation areas that require decentralised management to ensure management presence in all parts of the con- servation area. Apart from KMNR where KWS has some management presence, the other two national reserves have no management and administrative infrastructure. The only ongo- ing management is wildlife protection in form of security operations to counter wildlife poach- ing, and particularly of elephants. With the ongoing developments in the adjacent LAPSSET corridor, it is envisaged that KBDCA will become an important recreation area for the Lamu port residents and visitors, and therefore the KBDCA should be developed and managed to exploit the anticipated increase in tourism.
To ensure that there is strong and effective management system that is able to develop tourism opportunities and at the same time offer security to visitors and wildlife, a new man- agement structure is proposed. In this regard a Senior Warden will oversee the management of the KBDCA while Park Wardens will be posted to each of the three protected areas. This new structure will require substantial increase in staff at all levels. In view of this during the plan period, KBDCA management will liaise with KWS Headquarters, Human Capital Division to ensure that adequate staff is deployed in line with the new KBDCA organisational struc- ture.
Action 2.2: Provide and maintain adequate staff welfare facilities
KWS recognises the importance of providing recreational facilities to field staff as a morale booster. Already, most KWS stations are provided with DSTV facilities at staff canteens to enhance staff morale. However, welfare facilities are lacking from KBDCA administration centres, and recreational clubs are yet to be established. In order to boost staff morale in the staff residential areas, satellite TV will be installed at canteens that will be established at all the sector headquarters (Mkokoni, Mangai, and Sangailu). Further, sports facilities and equipment will be provided at each of the sector headquarters.
Action 2.3: Lobby the Ministry of Health to enhance the management of health clinics in the area
A healthy work force is an important prerequisite for effective delivery of conservation and management objectives. For enhanced staff performance, it is essential that staff has easy access to affordable medical treatment whenever they fall sick. Currently there exist three health clinics (Mkokoni, Mangai and Milimani) that provide health care services to KBDCA staff. However, these health facilities do not have adequate medical personnel and they are not sufficiently equipped with medical equipment and drugs to effectively provide the re- quired service. In view of this, under this management action, the Senior Warden-KBDCA will lobby the Ministry of Health, Lamu County Government and other stakeholders to have the clinics equipped and staffed appropriately to ensure that KBDCA staff and the local community are provided with quality health services.
Action 2.4: Provide necessary working tools and gear to staff
Providing staff with working tools in accordance with the requirements of their professions enhances, not only staff motivation, but increases productivity as well. It also plays an essen- tial role in achieving timely and good quality results. Hence, where practicable, KBDCA staff will be provided with equipment needed to perform their duties effectively. Such equipment includes office equipment, such as computers and their accessories, and diving and snorkel- ing equipment. The staff will also be trained in use of the working tools to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
Action 2.5: Liaise with KWS Training Section in carrying out a staff training needs assessment and train staff in relevant skills
Staff training is vital in ensuring that staff has necessary and up-to-date skills to carry out their work efficiently. To focus staff training on relevant skills, management will first carry out a training needs assessment of the current KBDCA staff and based of the identified needs, staff will be trained in relevant skills in line with KWS training policy. In particular, focus will be on training staff in management of a complex mix of forest and marine ecosystems that face a wide range of challenges. For instance, it is important that rangers receive scuba diving skills to enable them, access, monitor and map activities in the deeper coral reef eco- system effectively.