Kenya is expanding tourism infrastructure inside its national parks as part of a wider push to meet rising visitor demand and spread economic benefits across the country, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said.
Speaking on Friday during the passing-out parade of KWS cadet officers at the KWS Law Enforcement Academy, Manyani in Taita Taveta County, on December 19, 2025, Kindiki noted that the Kenya Wildlife Service is increasing in-park bed capacity from 1,800 to 4,000, with new facilities already under construction and more planned in different regions.
Kindiki said the expansion will strengthen Kenya’s position in leisure, adventure, and MICE tourism, while ensuring that tourism gains reach counties beyond traditional destinations.
He explained that improved facilities inside parks will enhance visitor experience, support longer stays, and generate more income for conservation and local communities.
The Deputy President also said the infrastructure growth is supported by major reforms in wildlife management carried out over the past three years.
Through KWS, the government has strengthened security by recruiting and deploying elite ranger units, expanding the conservation workforce, and modernizing surveillance using AI-enabled systems, drones, satellite-linked patrol tools, and modern digital radio networks.
Rapid-response capacity and intelligence-led operations have also been improved.
Alongside security upgrades, the government has invested in community livelihoods and awareness programmes to reduce human–wildlife conflict and promote local participation in conservation.
Kindiki stated KWS has also modernized service delivery through the eCitizen payment platform, improving transparency, efficiency, and the visitor experience, which has contributed to increased revenue.
“Wildlife is not only our heritage. It is a symbol of our sovereignty, a pillar of our global identity, and a powerful engine of our economy,” he said.
Going further, the DP said tourism and wildlife conservation are central to the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, noting that when parks are secure, jobs are created and businesses grow.
He added that tourism revenue grew strongly in 2024, restoring global confidence in Kenya, as the government targets five million visitors by 2027.
Kindiki said the country is diversifying tourism beyond traditional safaris into culture, sports, events, adventure, and MICE tourism to ensure growth is inclusive and sustainable.
However, he stressed that tourism growth depends on safety for wildlife, visitors, and communities.
The Deputy President said conservation reforms are guided by a people-centered and science-based approach focused on coexistence, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
He noted that wildlife financing is being anchored on green funding, clean energy, climate funds, carbon markets such as REDD+, conservation bonds, public–private partnerships, and multilateral financing to reduce pressure on the Exchequer.
He added that restoring ecological space is also a priority, citing the Cabinet’s approval of the Nairobi National Park–Kapiti Wildlife Corridor and progress on other corridors such as Lake Elementaita–Nakuru.
Kindiki also pointed to the recent expansion of the Tsavo West Rhino Sanctuary from 92 square kilometers to 3,200 square kilometers as a major step in restoring wildlife habitats.
In conclusion, Kindiki urged county governments to work closely with KWS to open and operationalize dormant parks and reserves to create jobs, empower communities, and increase local revenue.
He said these efforts, combined with expanded tourism facilities, will ensure conservation delivers real value to the people.
