From Poacher to Protector: Meet the Turtle Guardians Protecting Kenya’s Coast
- Charity Pimer
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Table of Contents
From Poacher to Protector: How Does a Hunter Become a Guardian?
The transformation from poacher to protector is not easy, but along Kenya’s coastline, it is happening. One of the most powerful stories belongs to Sammy Kenga. Years ago, Kenga was among the most notorious sea turtle trappers along the shores of Watamu in Kilifi County. In his community, turtles were considered a delicacy, and he hunted them for food. Back then, the beaches were littered with the shells and bones of slaughtered turtles a grim reminder of how widespread poaching had become.
The same transformation is happening within Ocean Sole’s TurtleSafe Project. Many of the rangers patrolling Kilifi’s beaches are former poachers who now earn a fair wage protecting the very creatures they once hunted. When a person who once killed turtles becomes their guardian, the message spreads through the entire community. It proves that change is possible when people are given an alternative path.
Who Is Protecting Kenya’s Turtles Today?
Kenya’s sea turtles are protected by a dedicated network of organisations, community groups, and individuals working together.
One of the most important is Local Ocean Conservation (LOC) , which began in 1997 as a small group of volunteers who could not bear to see turtles being killed or dying in fishing nets. Since 1998, they have rescued, assessed, tagged, and released more than 24,000 sea turtles back into the ocean.
At the grassroots level, Ocean Sole’s Turtle Safe Project has been making a measurable difference. Launched in January 2024, the program trains and employs local fishermen as rangers to patrol nesting beaches and protect sea turtles. These rangers, many of them former poachers, work tirelessly through the night to ensure mother turtles can lay their eggs safely.
The Ocean Mamaz, a collective of 16 women in Kilifi, also play a role. They lead community-driven conservation initiatives that include beach cleanups and upcycling enterprises, supporting 12 households while restoring coastal ecosystems.
What Are Examples of Poaching?
Poaching takes many forms, and along Kenya’s coast, sea turtles face threats at every stage of their lives.
Egg Poaching: One of the most damaging practices. In some coastal communities, men believe that eating turtle eggs can boost their sexual performance. This myth has led to widespread egg poaching, reducing the number of hatchlings that ever reach the sea.
Meat and Oil Poaching: Also remains a serious problem. Adult turtles are hunted for their meat, which is sold on the black market, and their fat is sometimes used in traditional medicine to treat asthma and other ailments. According to conservation groups, around 28 sea turtles are killed each month in the high season along the Marereni-Ngomeni shoreline alone.
Illegal Fishing Practices: This kills turtles unintentionally. Fishermen use homemade spear guns that pierce the animal’s neck, leaving it paralyzed. Others are caught and drowned in fishing nets meant for other species, a problem known as bycatch.
In addition, sea turtles are often found entangled in plastic waste or with stomachs full of plastic they mistook for food. This is not poaching in the traditional sense, but it is just as deadly.
How Does Ocean Sole Help Protect Sea Turtles?
Ocean Sole protects sea turtles in three important ways.
First, through direct conservation work: The TurtleSafe Project trains and employs local fishermen as rangers to patrol nesting beaches along Kenya’s coast. These rangers work during peak nesting seasons, monitoring turtle activity and protecting nests from poachers. In 2025, the program achieved zero poaching incidents along the beaches it patrolled, a remarkable success. In early 2026 alone, three new nests have already been identified, showing that nesting conditions are improving thanks to this community-led protection.
Second, by removing plastic waste from the ocean: Ocean Sole collects discarded flip‑flops from Kenya’s beaches and transforms them into vibrant sculptures. This direct cleanup effort removes thousands of pieces of plastic that would otherwise entangle or be eaten by sea turtles.
Third, by raising awareness through art: Every colourful turtle sculpture sold carries a message about ocean conservation. The proceeds from each sale help fund beach cleanups and ranger patrols. When someone buys an Ocean Sole sculpture, they are not just buying art they are directly supporting the protection of sea turtles.
Ocean Sole also works with partners to expand its reach. In 2026, with support from Collette Tours, the TurtleSafe Project added three new rangers to strengthen protection across key nesting beaches.
Meet the Turtle Guardians of Kenya’s Coast
Along Kenya’s coastline, the title “turtle guardian” is earned through hard work, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to protecting marine life.
Mwalimu a.k.a Teacher: Patrols the beaches of Kwa Chambo and Kwa Ngala, mainly during the night. Let's hear what he has to say" I used to collect turtle eggs and sometimes hunt turtles because it was how I made a living. But over time, I saw how their numbers were going down, and I realized we were destroying something important. Today, I protect the same nests I once took from monitoring beaches, educating others, and making sure these turtles have a chance to survive."He says “It’s not just a job now,It’s a responsibility.”
Baraka: Works the morning patrols on the same shores. Baraka mentions “In the past, I didn’t think much about conservation I only thought about feeding my family. Poaching felt like the only option. But after learning about the importance of sea turtles and getting involved in conservation work, my mindset changed. Now, I patrol the beaches at night, rescue nests, and work with my community to protect our marine life.” he says ". I’m proud to be part of something that gives back to the ocean instead of taking from it.”
These two men are just two of the many rangers working with Ocean Sole’s TurtleSafe Project. They are joined by others who once struggled to make ends meet and now earn a fair wage protecting Kenya’s marine life. Their work has made a measurable difference. Their presence has turned Kilifi’s coastline into a safer place for sea turtles.
These guardians work quietly throughout the night and into the early morning, often without recognition. But because of them, thousands of sea turtles have been saved, hundreds of nests have been protected, and a new generation of hatchlings has been given a chance at life.
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