The communities that gave no cost labour time to build sections of the fence near their farms on Mt Kipipiri - Kipkiama Cecaffe and Gita- won the East African Wildlife Society’s Michael Werikhe aware for services for conservation in the Aberdares presented to them by President Kibaki (centre).

The award is in memory of the great conservation pioneer, Michael Werikhe who in the nineteen eighties and nineties walked thousands of miles in Kenya, other African countries and all over the world to raise awareness at the plight of the Black Rhino threatened by the globally organized efforts to poach rhino for its horn. The choice of winner is made by the Rhino Charge Committee.

In the picture back centre is Professor Fred Owino, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Task Force on the Mau. Prof Owino is currently chairman of the EAWLS. At back right is the Minister of Forestry and Wildlife, Dr Noah Wekesa.

The perpetual trophy is created by the Kenyan artist Kioko. Each annual winner receives a replica donated by Rhino Ark.