DEPARTMENT OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

TITLE: BLOCK FIELD PRACTICE REPORT

COURSE CODE: BSD 300

AGENCY OF ATTACHMENT: KENYA WILDLIFE SERVICE (KWS)

PERIOD OF ATTACHMENT: 10THSEPTEMBER TO 9TH DECEMBER 2019

PRESENTER: KALLA AMINA EDIN

REG NO: BAS 22/18/19

PRESENTED TO: MR CLEOPHUS MULI

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Contents
DECLARATION ....................................................................................................................... 4
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ......................................................................................................... 5
ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................................... 6
DEDICATION ........................................................................................................................... 7
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................................................... 8
1.0 CHAPTER ONE .................................................................................................................. 9
KNOWLEDGE OF THE AGENCY ......................................................................................... 9
Objectives of KWS .................................................................................................................. 10
1.3 Organizational Structure and Functions............................................................................. 11
Vision ....................................................................................................................................... 12
Mission..................................................................................................................................... 12
Values ...................................................................................................................................... 12
Mandate.................................................................................................................................... 12
2.0CHAPTER TWO ................................................................................................................ 14
2.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 14
2.2.0 ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN ...................................................................................... 14
2.2.1Office work ...................................................................................................................... 14
2.2.2 Field work ....................................................................................................................... 14
2.2.3 Engaging with customers ................................................................................................ 14
2.3 HOW INFORMATION WAS GATHERED..................................................................... 15
OBSERVATIONS ................................................................................................................... 15
TYPES OF OBSERVATIONS ................................................................................................ 15
2.4THEORIES AND THE MODELS APPLIED IN FIELD PRACTICE .............................. 16
2.4.1 STAGES OF CHANGE MODEL .................................................................................. 16
3.0CHAPTER THREE ............................................................................................................ 17
3.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 17
3.2 SKILLS DEVELOPED ..................................................................................................... 17
3.2.1 Communication skills ..................................................................................................... 17
3.2.2 Teamwork skill ............................................................................................................... 17
3.2.3 Listening skill.................................................................................................................. 17
3.2.4 Record keeping skills ...................................................................................................... 18
3.2.5 Stress management skill .................................................................................................. 18
3.2.6 Time management skill ................................................................................................... 18
4.0 CHAPTER FOUR .............................................................................................................. 19

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4.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 19
4.2 PRINCIPLES OF SOCIAL WORK AND DEVELOPMENT WORK ............................. 19
4.2.1 Principle of confidentiality ............................................................................................. 19
4.2.2 Principle of controlled emotional involvement............................................................... 20
4.2.3 Principle of individualization.......................................................................................... 20
4.2.4 Principle of acceptance ................................................................................................... 20
4.2.4 Principle of professionalism ........................................................................................... 20
4.2.5 Principle of cooperation .................................................................................................. 20
4.2.6 Principle of self-determination ....................................................................................... 21
4.2.7 Principle of non-judgemental attitude ............................................................................. 21
4.3LESSONS LEARNT DURING MY FIELD PRACTICE .................................................. 22
4.4 HOW I ATTAINED MY OBJECTIVES .......................................................................... 23
4.5 CHALLENGES ................................................................................................................. 23
4.6 RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................................... 24
4.7 CONCLUSION .................................................................................................................. 25

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DECLARTION

I Kalla Amina Edin do hereby declare that this piece of work with great pleasure has been
forwarded out of my truthful effort specifically for academic purpose during my field practice
attachment with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).

SIGN............................................................DATE........................................................

KALLA AMINA EDIN (STUDENT: BAS)

SIGN.................................................................DATE...................................................

MERCY JOHN (AGENCY SUPERVISOR)

SIGN.................................................................DATE...................................................

MR. CLEOPHUS MULI (UNIVERSITY SUPERVISOR)

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ACKNOWLEDGE

My sincere gratitude goes to the entire Kenya Wildlife Service team for helping me during
the attachment period. Without them, I would have not acquired the relevant knowledge in
Development Studies and learnt many things and had a whole new experience that is indeed
vital in my future career.

I take the opportunity to express my greatest regards to Marist International University

College for granting the knowledge and opportunity to undertake my industrial attachment.

It is genuine pleasure to express my deep sense of thanks and gratitude Mr.Cleophus Muli,
the Dean of my Faculty in School and who also happened to be my assessor and my
university supervisor, my agency supervisor Mercy John and to all the trainers who took their
time to help me learn new skills. Also the KWS staff that were considerate and patient with
me while also broadening my knowledge by helping me reach my full potential.

I want to thank my parents and siblings for their unconditional support which was very
pivotal in the successful completion of my attachment.

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ABSTRACT

This report is in accordance to the experience I had at the Kenya Wildlife Service- Nairobi
National Park (NNP). The report is going to have a variety of different experiences mainly
because it I went through different departments throughout my attachment period. It is based
in the Headquarter of the company at Langata road Nairobi.

This report will have four chapters dealt basically with the history of KWS, the
organizational chart, the mission and the vision of the organization. It also contains the
various activities that I got to experience and the lessons I learnt and knowledge gained in the
various organization’s department.

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DEDICATION

I dedicate this to all the KWS staff who helped me throughout my attachment period, my
university supervisor Mr. Cleophus Muli, my attachment supervisor Mercy John, my mother
and father Mumina Godana and Edin Kalla who have always been there for me and
supporting me during my field practice. I also dedicate this to my siblings Abdia Abdi, Adan
Edin and Safia Edin for encouraging and support me.

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

K.W.S -Kenya Wildlife Service

P.A.C- Problematic Animal Control

P.O.A- Point of Access

T.I.U- Ticketing Inspection Unit

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1.0 CHAPTER ONE

KNOWLEDGE OF THE AGENCY

1.1 Introduction
This section talks about the brief history, objectives of the organizational structure of
KWS.

Brief History of the Establishment

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) conserves and manages Kenya’s wildlife for the Kenyan
people and the world. It is a state corporation established by an Act of Parliament Cap 376
with the mandate to conserve and manage wildlife in Kenya, and to enforce related laws and
regulations. Kenya Wildlife Service is an organization under the Forestry and Wildlife
Ministry. In response to curb the extensive poaching insecurity, infrastructure and
environmental degradation in the National Parks and Reserves, Government of Kenya with
the support of World Bank established the Kenya Wildlife Service in 1989.

Kenya Wildlife Service is a state owned corporation. It was created by the Government
through the Act of Parliament in 1990 under the leadership of Dr. Richard E Leakey. KWS
succeeded the Wildlife Conservation and Management Department (WCMD), which had
been established in 1976 to improve efficiency and to rationalize conservation activities
under one department, it was preceded by the Game Department and the Kenya National
Parks Trustees. In 1990, KWS with the support of Government of Kenya and the World Bank
designed and implemented the Protected Areas under the wildlife Service (PAWS)

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Objectives of KWS

The Kenya wildlife Service (KWS) puts emphasis on continuing being efficient and
competitive.

The objectives already defined are as follows:

(a) Achieve policy, legal and regulatory framework and stability to effectively discharge
the mandate.
(b) Enhance wildlife conservation, protection, and management;
(c) Strengthen institutional capacity; Improve KWS’s recognition, linkages, and
relationships with stakeholders; Work with all relevant stakeholders such as the
suppliers, media, Research &
(d) Learning Institutions, Tourists, NGOs, Donors, GOK, KWS Staff, Communities,
Hotel and tour operators, airlines and politicians.
(e) Ensure full implementation of the strategic plan; this is ensured through carrying out
monitoring and evaluation exercise after every three (3) months and remedies on
affected areas are made.
(f) Ensure proper handling and maintenance of aircrafts.

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1.3 Organizational Structure and Functions.

The Kenya Wildlife Service comprises of five divisions namely, Directorate, Finance &
Administration, Wildlife & Community Services, Corporate Support Services and Security
services and each is headed by Deputy Director. Each division is subdivided into several
departments and each is headed by a Head of the Department. It is further divided into
several Regions (case of Wildlife & Community Services Division) or sections (case of the
other divisions)

Deputy Directors ensure that the policies and procedures are adhered to while at the Assistant
Director’s level, the objectives are defined and programs are identified in order to achieve the
objectives at a stated period of time. Through monitoring and evaluation exercise the results
on the organization performance is obtained. This leads to the improvement of the set
programs, abandonment of some non-profit programs or implementing others in case
successes are realized.

Through the devolution of powers, a strategy used by the KWS current management,
detection of mistakes made in implementing strategies can be discovered at an early stage

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and remedies made. This ensures cost savings or in case of success, competitive advantage
can be taken with ease once the performance of each planned activity is known.

Vision

To save the last great species and places on earth for humanity.

Mission

To sustainably conserve, manage, and enhance Kenya's wildlife, its habitats, and provide a
wide range of public uses in collaboration with stakeholders for posterity.

Values

Passion, Professionalism, Innovation and Quality.

Mandate

 Conserve and manage national parks, wildlife conservation areas, and sanctuaries
under its jurisdiction;
 Provide security for wildlife and visitors in national parks, wildlife conservation
areas and sanctuaries;
 Set up a county wildlife conservation committee in respect of each county;
 Promote or undertake commercial and other activities for the purpose of achieving
sustainable wildlife conservation;
 Collect revenue and charges due to the national government from wildlife and, as
appropriate, develop mechanisms for benefit sharing with communities living in
wildlife areas;
 Develop mechanisms for benefit sharing with communities living in wildlife
areas;
 Advise the cabinet department on matters pertaining to wildlife policy, strategy
and legislation.
 Coordinate the preparation and implementation of ecosystem plans;
 Prepare and implement national park management plans;
 Assist and advise in the preparation of management plans for community and
private wildlife conservancies and sanctuaries;

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 Undertake and conduct enforcement activities such as anti- poaching operations,
wildlife protection, intelligence gathering, investigations and other enforcement
activities for the effective carrying out of the provisions of this act;
 Conduct and co-ordinate, all research activities in the field of wildlife
conservation and management and ensure application of research findings in
conservation planning, implementation and decision making;
 Advise the national land commission, the cabinet secretary and the council on the
establishment of national parks, wildlife conservancies and sanctuaries;
 Promote and undertake extension service programmes intended to enhance
wildlife conservation, education and training;
 Grant permits;

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2.0 CHAPTER TWO

ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN AND HOW THE INFORMATION WAS

GATHERED AND THE USE OF THEORIES AND MODELS.

2.1 Introduction

In this chapter I will be focusing on the activities that I was engaging in the agency
during my three months of attachment, the use of models and theories, and the
experience I gained through it all.

2.2.0 ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN

2.2.1 Office work

During my period of attachment I mostly worked in various departments which was in

the office. I learned how to record various data and to be able to do some office
administration like picking calls, help the client however I can and to attending to
affected visitor, I prepared data sheets for the October game count for the Nairobi
National Park, did some weekly briefs and learnt about how conservation and
development correlate.

2.2.2 Field work

Alongside the P.A.C team, I participated in various activities to avoid human-wildlife

conflict. I also participated in ticketing inspections with the T.I.U; I was also involved
in restoring the trees in the park by watering the seedlings near the SGR and also got
rid of some invasive plants that were harming the environment.

2.2.3 Engaging with customers

Working under the supervision of the POA team, I learnt on how to treat and receive
customers. I also learned how to help them and give them correct information.And to
be able to carefully listen to the customers' complaints and attend to it effectively.

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2.3 HOW INFORMATION WAS GATHERED

During my field practice, I gathered information in various ways in which it helped

me be able to carefully construct this report. Some of the ways is by the use of my
logbook, questions I asked my supervisors, knowledge from my colleagues, through
various experiences during my time at the organization and observation.

1. Primary data

It is the data originally collected by the researcher through his or her own experience
and observation. It's the data that can’t be tampered with by anybody else as
compared to secondary data.

2. Secondary data

It basically means data that was collected by another person but is used by other
people for the purpose of reference and research. Some examples of secondary data is
books, magazines, journals and thesis.

OBSERVATIONS

The action or process of closely observing or monitoring something or someone without

asking any questions to the respondent. Observation can be either disclosed or undisclosed;
the participant knows they are being interviewed or the researcher keeps their identity a secret
from other people and those researchers who want to use it as secondary data. This method is
very cheap but time consuming.

TYPES OF OBSERVATIONS

There are two types of observations namely;

a. Participant observation
This is means getting involved with the participants’ daily activities and watching the
events, situation or activities while collecting data without them knowing that you are
collecting the information.
b. Non-Participant observation
This type of observation directly contradicts the participant observation since it’s
about carrying out the observation without participating but the participants were fully
aware that data was collected from them.

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2.4THEORIES AND THE MODELS APPLIED IN FIELD PRACTICE

Theories are explanations of a phenomenon that are supported by evidence obtained

through scientific methods. These theories and models help to explain human
behaviour and how they interact. The social work theories and models are a guide on
how to use and implement it.

2.4.1 STAGES OF CHANGE MODEL

This model mainly focuses on change of human behaviour that a person develops
with time and this theory believes that if one wants to change for example their bad
behaviour they will have to change step by step and they will have to change on their
own free will so that the change can be effective. Some examples of behavioural
problems include alcoholism, drug addiction and smoking.

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3.0CHAPTER THREE

SKILLS DEVELOPED DURING THE FIELD PRACTICE.

3.1 Introduction

This chapter focuses on the skills and knowledge I used and acquired during my field practice
in K.W.S. I also gained useful knowledge and experience from the people around me that I
can now apply and also in the future.

3.2 SKILLS DEVELOPED

3.2.1 Communication skills

Communication is the transfer of messages from one person to another. It is a common and
effective way in which we use in our daily lives. During my field attachment I interacted with
different people with different experiences and through this I learned a lot. For example
during the time I spent in the office, communication was key since we were dealing with
human-wildlife conflict.

3.2.2 Teamwork skill

Team work helps in building effective communication and through this skill we worked more
effectively and accurately. Teamwork builds good communication skills and also builds trust
among teammates. This skill is very useful since I was partly involved with the wildlife
alongside the PAC team and my fellow colleagues during my field practice.

3.2.3 Listening skill

This is the ability to accurately receive and interpret messages in the communication process.
Listening is one of the most useful skills to acquire since it is applied everywhere one works.
It helped me to be able to learn new knowledge and with this skill, I did tasks more
accurately. It helped me be acquiring good and useful advice from my supervisors, colleagues
and other workers from various departments.

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3.2.4 Record keeping skills

Most of the time I spent at KWS I was keeping various records in different departments and
learned quite a lot and I was able to be flexible so that I can be able to adjust to different
working conditions and environment.

3.2.5 Stress management skill

Stress management is all about dealing with the challenges that one is faced with and also
controlling ones' emotion and thoughts. I had to deal with stressful situations at the beginning
of my field practice since I was attached to departments that were not relevant to social work
and community development but with time I was moved to some of the departments that
were useful and which related to my course work.

3.2.6 Time management skill

Time management is essential in every organization since one is able to finish their day's task
well. To acquire this skill one should have discipline and be able to sacrifice. Since I knew
the departments’ work plan and their arrival time I was able to keep time and was able to do
my days' work perfectly.

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4.0 CHAPTER FOUR

PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

4.1 Introduction

In this chapter, I will be talking about what I learned, my development and my academic
growth during my industrial attachment and I am grateful for the chance that KWS had
granted me to be able to work alongside helpful people who were involved with my growth
as a social worker. I was able to apply what I learned in school and I was able to become
more open minded towards different situations and I worked with various religions, races,
age, tribes and backgrounds without discriminating anyone and I was ready to help out in
every way I could so that I could be able to learn new skills and knowledge.

4.2 PRINCIPLES OF SOCIAL WORK AND DEVELOPMENT WORK

Introduction

Principles are guidelines that stimulate how social workers should conduct themselves. They
are basic guidelines of ideas that lead us in our intervention. They are rules that govern how
social workers are supported to deal with an individual, a group of people in any given
situation. Using these principles and values I was able to achieve attain the goals and
objectives.

4.2.1 Principle of confidentiality

This principle is necessary in every organization. It is the ability to keep a secret about
information shared in the organization so that it might not affect anyone in the end. Everyone
should be able to adhere to this principle and respect it. This principle should be respected
unless the confidential information is going to be used to help the client and with their full
permission to disclose it.

Keeping information private helps the client to build trust in the social worker and the client
will be more open and comfortable to disclose more useful information.

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4.2.2 Principle of controlled emotional involvement

Social workers must not get emotional attached with the clients they are working with to
avoid making mistakes at work. Social workers should only empathize with the client and not
to sympathize with them even if it is difficult. If a social worker feels emotionally attached
s/he should refer the client to another colleague who can handle the situation much better.

4.2.3 Principle of individualization

A social worker should be able to know and understand that every client is unique and they
possess unique qualities. A social worker must be able to individualize every case so that they
can’t stereo type anyone and accept that every person has his/her own culture, thoughts and
believes and a social worker should be able to acknowledge it and respect it regardless of
what they believe in.

4.2.4 Principle of acceptance

This principle states that a social worker should understand and value the client and accept
the clients' strengths and weaknesses and also accept the way they are regardless of any
situation. They should also not be biased when dealing with a client. Social workers should
convey acceptance by taking genuine concern, listening respectively, acknowledging other’s
point of view and creating a climate of mutual respect.

4.2.4 Principle of professionalism

A social worker should act professionally during his line of duty by acting polite, should
portray good behaviour, should have a descent dress code, and have etiquette and so on.
Social workers must observe the ethics and principles of social work during a session and or
working with the client. This helps to set clear boundaries between the social worker and the
client.

4.2.5 Principle of cooperation

This principle ensures that everyone is on the same page and also ensures coordination
among colleagues in any organization. Due to this principle, people are able to effectively
work together in peace and harmony so that the organizations' goal and objectives are met. So
that this principle can be realized, the workers should team up to give out the best and desired
results. With this principle, work can be done faster and will enhance trust among colleagues.

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4.2.6 Principle of self-determination

This principle helps social workers to be able to accept and respect the clients' own ability to
make their own decisions. A social worker is only allowed to guide the client in the right path
and not to make decisions for the client and to help them realize that there is solutions to their
problem so that they may be able to come up with what they need to help them get through
with the problems they are facing.

4.2.7 Principle of non-judgemental attitude

A social worker should never judge nor stereo type a client rather, should they be able to deal
with the client because every client are unique in their own way and a social worker should
not prejudice a client. Even though the clients’ views and interests may greatly differ, the
social worker should not judge or be biased towards the client.

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4.3 LESSONS LEARNT DURING MY FIELD PRACTICE

I am utterly grateful to those who made my field attachment possible and who helped me
through those three months that I was there and would like to thank both my University and
agency supervisor and my fellow colleagues who showed me the right path.

• The attachment helped me to gain more confidence since I had to do different

activities which at times were not easy to come by and had to work with different
types of people.
• New knowledge and practical experience was acquired both in the field and in the
office among others that would help me in the future employment fields.
• As an intern, I got an opportunity to relate with different categories of people within
the Kenya wildlife services that are most likely to be meet in real life situation for
example Kenya wildlife service’s staff who had different backgrounds and behaviour.
• Operating as a team was one of the an opportunity and experience I had, this enabled
the me to work hand in hand so as to perform the assigned tasks effectively and
efficiently.
• Adaptability gave me the opportunity to keep up with the pace of the organization;
with the time being limited I had to learn all the roles that the departments play in the
organization.
• Class work application gave me opportunity to apply all the lectures and class work
teachings in the real environment of social work activities.
• I learnt that animals are a really important aspect on development and we should
protect them from human-wildlife conflict and sensitize the local communities on the
importance of taking care of the wildlife around them.

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4.4 HOW I ATTAINED MY OBJECTIVES

During my field practice, I got the opportunity to different types of people through which I
grew a lot confidence and I got to learn a lot and acquire different skills and knowledge that
will help me once I out in the field. It also helped me to overcome challenges and be open-
minded. I also attained my objectives through asking a lot of relevant questions and sharing
any useful information I have. I was able to work in a team setting and interact with them. It
helped me to brush up on my weakness and to hold on to my strength. My supervisors were
always there for me and encouraged me to ask more questions.

4.5 CHALLENGES

 Weather- when heavy rains struck, we were not able to go out in the field and learn
more instead we would just sit in the office and do nothing.
 Place of attachment- I went some departments which were not relevant to social
work and ended up wasting some time.

• Adapting to the working environment.-Due to the fact that I was new in the
organization, it took some time to get used and cope with the working environment
and I was not used to this Kenya wildlife service culture and society therefore posing
a big challenge. It took me quite some time to fully adapt to the organizational
operations and settle mentally. I did not have much to do in the first week but this was
solved by the supervisor provided me with assistance coming up with a schedule of
work activities and within no time I adjusted fairly and got used to the norm.

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4.6 RECOMMENDATIONS

The attachment programme is a key to nurture the students’ abilities. The following
recommendations can help improve the program:

 Thorough orientation

Organizations should ensure that all attaches are well oriented immediately after they
report and with consistency in order to avoid confusion.

 More vehicles
The organization should at least have vehicles for every department that deals with
the field so that work can be done more effectively.
 Assigning attachés to departments that are relevant to their course
So that the attaché can gain more knowledge and experience during their field
practice.

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4.7 CONCLUSION

The attachment was a really an educative experience. I have gained new knowledge, skills
and met many new people who passed on wisdom to me. I achieved several of my learning
goals, however for some the conditions did not permit. I got insight into professional practice.
It was an opportunity to relate the expectations I had from the real industry expectations.
Undoubtedly, the impact of this attachment with the Kenya wildlife service has made me gain
some practical knowledge and experiences in my field of study. It has also instilled in me
some more integrity especially punctuality, being more tolerant, respectful and hardworking,
through the field attachment, I have acquired new insight and motivation to advance my
career in social work and community development. Lastly, I would like to thank all of the
people who helped me through in this three months of attachment from all my supervisors,
KWS staff, fellow attachés, fellow students and my family and friends and for all their
support.

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