Kenya has welcomed home 17 mountain bongos from the U.S., marking a vital step in the country's efforts to restore the population of the critically endangered species in the wild.

In a statement on Monday, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said the initiative is expected to bolster wildlife preservation, create jobs and improve local community livelihoods.

“As we grow the mountain bongo population, we anticipate more tourists and increased revenue for Kenya," KWS noted.

Tourism CS Rebecca Miano expressed optimism over the repatriation, indicating that it is a shot in the arm of Kenya's conservation efforts.

"We mark yet another historic moment, receiving 17 mountain bongos, a rare and treasured species, at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Their return is a powerful step in our mission to restore and protect Kenya’s rich biodiversity," she said.

"This is a double benefit for tourism and conservation, and I really want to thank everyone involved. It is a huge operation and something that I've never experienced," the CS added.

The repatriation is a huge win for the country's wildlife conservation push given that the Mountain Bongo population has dwindled over the decades, making them among some of the most endangered species globally.

It is estimated that less than 100 of them remain in the wild today with the few in the forests of Mt Kenya, Cherangani Hills and Aberdare ranges. Mountain bongo is the largest antelope species in the mountain region and its popular for its eye-catching horns.

Over the last few decades, the government has stepped up its efforts to conserve the species, currently designated among the critically endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

In May last year, 10 Mountain bongos were released into the wild in an attempt to bring up their numbers under a breeding programme at the Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy.

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