From the quiet shores of Kiwayuu in Lamu County to national and international acclaim, Rukiya Mohamed’s journey is a powerful story of courage, discipline, and purpose in wildlife conservation.
Rukiya has made history as the only female snake handler in Kenya’s Coast Conservation Area, a rare and demanding role she earned after completing the rigorous Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) paramilitary training program. In a field long dominated by men, she broke barriers to prove that skill, resilience, and leadership know no gender.
Working in some of the most snake-prone communities along the coast, Rukiya has led numerous snake rescue and relocation operations, safely removing dangerous reptiles from homes, schools, and public spaces. Her work has not only prevented human-wildlife conflict but has also saved countless snakes from being killed out of fear.
Beyond emergency response, Rukiya is deeply involved in community education and conservation awareness, teaching residents how to coexist with wildlife and understand the ecological importance of snakes. Through calm leadership and expert knowledge, she has helped replace panic with respect and fear with informed action.
Her impact has earned her national recognition. In 2026, Rukiya was featured on Citizen TV’s Mwanamke Bomba and named among the Top 20 Most Impactful Women in Kenya, highlighting her contribution to conservation and women’s leadership.
Now a mentor to young women aspiring to careers in wildlife conservation, Rukiya Mohamed continues to inspire a new generation to challenge limits and pursue purpose-driven paths.
More than a ranger, Rukiya is a symbol of bravery and transformation, proof that determination can overcome fear and that conservation leadership can come from the most unexpected places.
