The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has announced bold new measures to strengthen wildlife conservation and address a widening KES 12 billion annual funding gap that threatens the future of Kenya’s biodiversity.
At the core of this effort is a proposed revision to conservation and park access fees the first comprehensive review in 18 years.
The new measures, outlined in the draft Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation Fees) Regulations, 2025, aim to enhance KWS’s financial sustainability in the face of stagnated income, inflationary pressures, and growing conservation demands.
In the 2024/2025 financial year, KWS generated KES 7.92 billion in revenue against a requirement of KES 19.79 billion, leaving a significant shortfall that has constrained its ability to fulfill its conservation mandate.
KWS Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga described the revised fee structure as more than just a financial adjustment, calling it a vital investment in the survival of Kenya’s wildlife and the wellbeing of communities that depend on conservation for their livelihoods.
He noted that for over a decade, conservation fees have remained unchanged, despite the rising costs of maintaining protected areas and increasing threats such as poaching and habitat loss.
“For over a decade, our conservation fee structure has remained static, despite rising costs, evolving visitor expectations, and increasing threats to wildlife,” Prof. Kanga said.
“More than 90% of our internal revenue comes from tourism. Yet we face a widening fiscal deficit that undermines not just conservation, but the livelihoods of over one million Kenyans in the wildlife economy—from rangers to tour operators.”
If approved, the new fee adjustments are projected to nearly double park revenues to KES 16.58 billion by 2028.
The projections are based on an impact assessment that considered realistic visitation patterns and spending behavior among both local and international tourists.
The revised fees are expected to directly support a range of conservation priorities.
These include restoring degraded habitats and ecosystems, mitigating human-wildlife conflict, enhancing anti-poaching and security operations, upgrading park infrastructure and services, and expanding conservation education and public awareness initiatives.
These interventions are central to the KWS 2024–2028 Strategic Plan, which aims to reduce reliance on Exchequer support and move towards a more self-sustaining conservation model.
Prof. Kanga emphasized that the fee review will maintain Kenya’s status as a world-class, accessible tourism destination.
He stressed that the proposed changes are about more than just revenue—they are about ensuring long-term survival for wildlife and resilience for Kenya’s conservation systems.
“This review is not just about revenue—it is about survival. 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,” he said.
The new regulations are being developed through a transparent and inclusive process that includes nationwide stakeholder consultations and public participation.
These forums are engaging local communities, conservation experts, tourism operators, and county governments to ensure broad input and consensus.
Wildlife tourism currently contributes nearly 10% to Kenya’s GDP and generates over USD 1 billion annually in direct revenue.
By reinvesting in conservation through this initiative, KWS believes it can unlock even greater ecological and socio-economic benefits.
As challenges to wildlife conservation continue to grow including climate change, human encroachment, and illegal wildlife trade KWS is taking a forward-looking approach to ensure that Kenya’s iconic species and natural landscapes remain protected for generations to come.
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