Mounting threats from pollution, overfishing, climate change and rapid coastal development have prompted the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to step up conservation efforts at Mombasa Marine National Park, with community partnerships, coral restoration and protection of endangered species taking centre stage in the fight to safeguard one of Kenya's most important marine ecosystems.
The renewed conservation campaign comes as KWS reinforces measures to preserve the country's oldest marine park while protecting its rich marine biodiversity for future generations.
Officials say the initiative is focused on reducing environmental pressures that continue to threaten the protected area and strengthening collaboration with communities living around the park.
Speaking to Radio Generation during an interview on July 12, 2026, Mombasa Deputy Park Warden Daniel Kirui said the marine park remains a vital conservation area and continues to play a key role in protecting Kenya's marine life.
Kirui said Mombasa Marine National Park, which was established in 1986, covers about 10 square kilometres, while the adjoining marine reserve stretches about 200 square kilometres from Mtwapa Creek to Tudor Creek.
"Our main objective is conservation. We are here to conserve Kenya's biodiversity for the next generation, and we sustainably do this in collaboration with stakeholders, with the community being the key people because they are the key users and beneficiaries of the marine park," he said.
He said the protected area continues to face growing threats, including overfishing, marine pollution, expanding infrastructure along the coastline and the effects of climate change.
"The reason why we are conserving is because the marine park is under several threats like overfishing. We have threats of pollution. We also have threats of human development. There are a lot of structures coming up along the beach, and also issues of climate change. Kenya Wildlife Service, as the lead conservation agency, is taking the lead in implementing mitigation measures."
Kirui said endangered sea turtles remain among the species receiving special protection, noting that increased development along the coastline is shrinking suitable nesting sites.
He added that KWS has introduced a plastic-free policy within the marine park to reduce pollution and conducts daily beach clean-up exercises involving staff and local community groups.
"We encourage visitors to come plastic-free so that we can address matters of pollution. We also do beach clean-ups on a daily basis and involve community groups in these activities."
Apart from conservation, the marine park offers visitors a range of activities including snorkelling, scuba diving and glass-bottom boat rides that allow them to experience its colourful coral reefs and marine life.
"You can do snorkelling, diving and enjoy the glass boat to see the colourful corals in the marine park. We have a very beautiful coral garden, and we are doing all efforts so that the corals are not endangered," Kirui stressed.
He said KWS also carries out coral restoration programmes whenever coral bleaching occurs as a result of rising sea temperatures linked to climate change.
Kirui added that visitors to the park may also spot dolphins and, on rare occasions, sharks within the protected waters.
He encouraged more Kenyans to visit the marine park and learn about the country's marine heritage.
"Most of our people don't know the resource we are having in the marine park. You are welcome to visit and enjoy what nature has provided."
KWS officials said Kenyan citizens pay Sh500 for adults and Sh250 for children to access the park, while Kenyan residents pay Sh675 for adults and Sh350 for children.
African citizens are charged Sh1,500 for adults and Sh750 for children, while non-resident adults pay Sh3,225 and children Sh1,935.
The conservation efforts are in line with the Kenya Wildlife Service Strategic Plan 2024-2028, which seeks to promote thriving wildlife and healthy habitats for present and future generations.
Under the plan, KWS is mandated to sustainably conserve Kenya's wildlife heritage and natural habitats for the benefit of people and nature. The agency manages terrestrial and marine wildlife, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, coral reefs and other marine biodiversity across national parks, reserves, sanctuaries and marine protected areas.
KWS says the long-term goal is to ensure that wildlife, marine ecosystems and communities continue to thrive through sustainable conservation and responsible management.