This archive report was first published on 2 October 2021.
Meet Ex-Accountant Who Saves Turtles In Danger ¶
As many Kenyans approach retirement, Fikiri Kiponda has taken a different path. The 44-year-old ex-accountant from Watamu has dedicated his life to saving endangered turtles along Kenya's Indian Ocean coastline.
After years of working as an accountant, Kiponda has traded in his calculator for a phone, which he uses to receive calls from fishermen who need his help rescuing turtles. The turtles are facing danger from pollution and pathogens, and some end up being trapped in fishermen's nets, resulting in injuries.
For Kiponda, the moment he tags a healthy turtle and releases it back into the ocean is overwhelming. He is part of local conservationists liaising with communities to preserve the coastal ecosystem, including mangrove wetlands, sand beaches, and the rich marine diversity Kenya holds.
Kenya has five different species of marine turtles recognized as endangered by the International Maritime Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations. These species include the green turtle, leatherback turtle, hawksbill turtle, loggerhead turtle, and olive ridley turtle.
Through community participation, Kiponda has helped change the cultural perceptions of turtles in Watamu. The community previously viewed turtles as a source of trophies, traditional medicines, or jewelry, but this has changed. Over 350 Watamu fishermen have contributed to local conservancy efforts, a grassroots solution Kiponda is proud of.
