Kenya’s wildlife parks are poised to collect Sh11 billion in fees this year, reflecting the impact of strengthened management, security, and conservation measures, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has revealed.
Kindiki noted that these gains are the result of deliberate reforms aimed at modernising Kenya Wildlife Service operations, reducing losses, and improving experiences for visitors. He said the trend highlights growing trust in protected areas and the effectiveness of institutional governance at KWS.
“Wildlife park fee collection is on course to hit Sh11 billion this year,” Kindiki said, pointing out that the reforms have tightened systems, minimized leakages, and enhanced visitor satisfaction across national parks and reserves.
The Deputy President made the remarks on Friday at the Kenya Wildlife Service Law Enforcement Academy in Manyani, Taita Taveta county, while presiding over the graduation of 147 cadet officers and 103 junior officers.
He described conservation as no longer a marginal concern but a key pillar of tourism development, economic growth, and community livelihoods. Kindiki emphasized that the graduation of the 250 officers is a strategic investment in protecting the progress already made.
“The role of law enforcement remains central to curbing wildlife crime and securing protected areas,” he said, highlighting the importance of a disciplined and trained ranger force in safeguarding biodiversity while promoting peaceful coexistence with communities.
The event was hailed by KWS as a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of the service. The agency said it reflects an expanded ranger force, strengthened security systems, community-focused conservation initiatives, and reforms guided by science.
According to KWS, these changes are part of a broader effort to build a professional, accountable, and modern institution capable of responding to evolving conservation challenges.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said frontline officers are increasingly relied upon to manage human-wildlife conflicts and combat wildlife crime, which remains a persistent threat to rural livelihoods and conservation.
She added that the newly trained officers will be deployed to the areas most in need, where they will support both enforcement and community engagement.
KWS Director General Prof Erustus Kanga said the service has prioritized building a disciplined and professional workforce able to meet the complexity of modern conservation. Training now combines paramilitary skills, leadership development, technology, and community relations, ensuring officers are effective while remaining accountable.
Commandant of the KWS Law Enforcement Academy George Osuri said the graduates had undergone months of intense training in paramilitary tactics and leadership skills. He added that the academy placed strong emphasis on ethics, teamwork, and operational readiness to prepare officers for duties across the country.
As the new officers begin service, KWS said they represent the future of conservation in Kenya—focused on people, accountability, coexistence, and sustainability. Strengthening the ranger force, the agency added, is vital not only for wildlife protection but also for sustaining tourism revenues that support conservation and national development.
Kindiki affirmed that the government will continue backing KWS reforms, saying strong institutions, secure parks, and empowered communities are critical to safeguarding Kenya’s natural heritage and unlocking its full economic potential.
