- Dr. Mukami Ruoro Oundo of Kenya Wildlife Service was named Wildlife Vet of the Year at a prestigious London ceremony
- The KWS veterinarian developed specialised treatment protocols for pangolins, among the most trafficked mammals on earth
- Mukami is one of the first female wildlife vets to join KWS in over 16 years, breaking barriers for women in science
A Kenyan wildlife veterinarian has put the country on the global conservation map after clinching one of the most coveted honours in animal welfare.
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Dr. Mukami Ruoro Oundo, who serves with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), was named Wildlife Vet of the Year at the 2026 International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) Animal Action Awards, held on October 15 at BAFTA in London, United Kingdom.
A Career Devoted to Kenya's Most Vulnerable Animals
Throughout her career, Dr. Mukami has focused on rescuing, treating and rehabilitating some of Kenya's most endangered wildlife, including rhinos, elephants, lions, other big cats and pangolins.
One of her standout contributions has been creating specialised treatment protocols for rescued pangolins, a group of animals considered among the most heavily trafficked mammals globally.
Her work is directly improving survival rates for these creatures while reinforcing broader conservation efforts across the region.
The award was presented by Professor Judi Wakhungu, Kenya's former Cabinet Secretary for Environment and former Ambassador to France, in what many observers noted was a fitting handover between two women who have each broken new ground in their respective fields.
Trailblazer for Women in Conservation
Beyond her scientific contributions, Dr. Mukami carries another distinction that resonates widely. She is among the first female wildlife veterinarians to join KWS in more than 16 years, a milestone that underscores just how rare her presence in the field has been.
For young Kenyan women and girls with ambitions in veterinary medicine, scientific research or wildlife conservation, her career offers concrete proof that those paths are open to them.
The IFAW Animal Action Awards, now celebrating their 26th year, honour individuals and organisations whose work in animal conservation, rescue and welfare stands out on an international scale. To win, as Dr Mukami has, reflects a career built on consistent dedication rather than a single moment of achievement.
From the grasslands and forests of Kenya to the stage at BAFTA in London, her recognition is a reminder that African expertise in wildlife conservation continues to earn the respect of the global scientific community.
Source: TUKO.co.ke