KWS seeks additional resources to safeguard Kenya’s wildlife

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has launched a drive to mobilise resources aimed at closing a critical Ksh 12 billion annual funding gap a shortfall caused by stagnated income, inflationary pressures, and rising operational demands.

According to a statement, the move is aimed at strengthening its wildlife conservation efforts, addressing emerging threats, and securing the long-term future of Kenya’s iconic biodiversity.

“At the heart of this effort is the need to close a critical Ksh 12 billion annual funding gap. This shortfall caused by stagnated income, inflationary pressures, and rising operational demands has significantly constrained the Service’s capacity to fulfill its conservation mandate.” The statement read.

The move comes after a difficult fiscal year where KWS generated only Ksh 7.92 billion in internal revenue against a Ksh 19.79 billion operational requirement—hampering its ability to respond effectively to issues such as poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and habitat degradation.

“In the 2024/2025 financial year, KWS generated Ksh 7.92 billion against a requirement of Ksh 19.79 billion, limiting its ability to protect wildlife, restore degraded ecosystems, and respond to challenges such as human-wildlife conflict and poaching.” Read the statement.

To help bridge this gap, KWS has gazetted the draft Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation Fees) Regulations, 2025, proposing a revised fee structure for access to national parks, reserves, sanctuaries, and marine protected areas.

KWS says, if approved, this will be the first comprehensive review of conservation fees in 18 years a long-overdue move that reflects current conservation realities and the urgent need for sustainable financing.

The revised fees are not simply a financial measure, they are a lifeline for wildlife.

The proposed changes are part of a broader revenue enhancement strategy designed to support core conservation activities, including; Restoration of habitats and ecosystem, mitigation of human-wildlife conflict, enhanced anti-poaching and wildlife security operation, modernization of park infrastructure and services as well as expansion of conservation education and awareness programmes.

“For over a decade, our conservation fee structure has remained static, despite rising costs, evolving visitor expectations, and increasing threats to wildlife,” said KWS Director General, Prof. Erustus Kanga.

“Today, more than 90% of our internal revenue comes from tourism-related activities. Yet we face a widening fiscal deficit that undermines not only conservation, but also the livelihoods of over one million Kenyans whose jobs depend on a thriving wildlife economy—ranging from community scouts and rangers to tour operators, hoteliers, and artisans.”

An impact assessment conducted prior to drafting the new regulations informed the proposed pricing model.

Under the new framework, park revenues are projected to grow from Ksh 7.92 billion in 2024 to Ksh 16.58 billion by 2028—driven by realistic trends in visitation and spending behaviour.

Importantly, the proposed changes maintain Kenya’s status as an accessible, competitive, and world-class conservation destination.

The review is aligned with KWS’s 2024–2028 Strategic Plan, and will: Strengthen protection of endangered species and critical habitats.

It will also enable faster and more effective responses to conservation threats and improve the visitor experience across protected area.

The move also focuses on reducing reliance on Exchequer support by building a self-sustaining conservation model and enhancing institutional performance and resilience.

“This review is not just about revenue—it is about the survival of our wildlife and the resilience of our conservation systems,” Prof. Kanga emphasized. “It’s a bold and necessary step to protect our biodiversity, support communities who coexist with wildlife, and secure the future of Kenya’s natural heritage for generations to come.”

The proposed fee adjustments are being implemented through a transparent, inclusive process that includes extensive stakeholder consultations and public participation across the country.

Wildlife tourism remains a vital pillar of Kenya’s economy contributing approximately 10% to national GDP and generating over USD 1 billion in direct annual revenue. By reinvesting in conservation through this initiative, KWS aims to unlock even greater socio-economic and ecological benefits.

KWS has invited all stakeholders to review the draft regulations and submit their feedback at any KWS office, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife headquarters, or via email at rates@kws.go.ke.