The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) proudly announced that Kenya’s tourism sector achieved a remarkable Sh460 billion ($3.5 billion) in revenue for 2024, with wildlife tourism serving as the cornerstone of this success.
This marks a significant rise from the Sh352.5 billion ($2.7 billion) recorded in 2023, underscoring the critical role of wildlife conservation in driving economic growth.
KWS Director General Dr. Erustus Kanga emphasized that 75 percent of the total tourism revenue—approximately Sh345 billion—was generated from wildlife-related activities, as both local and international tourists flocked to Kenya’s iconic national parks and reserves.
“Wildlife is our national heritage and the heart of Kenya’s tourism appeal. Visitors come from across the globe to witness our extraordinary biodiversity,” Dr. Kanga stated during a Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) compensation event in Isara, Kajiado East Sub-county on Monday.
Strengthening Community Ties Through Revenue Sharing
KWS is actively championing a transformative revenue-sharing model, advocating for 10 percent of total tourism earnings to be allocated directly to local communities.
This initiative aims to empower communities living near wildlife areas by providing sustainable benefits from conservation efforts. “We envision this revenue as a ‘cow’ for communities to milk—supporting bursaries, water pans, and fencing for wildlife corridors,” Dr. Kanga explained. This approach is designed to foster coexistence between communities and wildlife while enhancing conservation efforts.
In partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, KWS is also supporting a nationwide campaign to educate communities on HWC mitigation, compensation processes, and economic opportunities within the wildlife economy. Principal Secretary Silvia Museiya highlighted that the campaign will promote ventures such as beekeeping, eco-tourism, and wildlife farming to reduce reliance on compensation. The initiative will culminate in the launch of the National Compensation Fund on May 26 in Meru County, led by President William Ruto.
ALSO READ: SOUTH AFRICA PILOTS E-WASTE RECYCLING, BOOSTS TREE PLANTING
Addressing Human-Wildlife Conflict
During the Isara event, KWS distributed Sh64 million in HWC compensation cheques to victims, some of whom had waited years for support. The event, attended by PS Museiya, local leaders, and residents, underscored KWS’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by communities coexisting with wildlife.
Local leaders, including Kajiado South MP Samuel Parashina and Kajiado East MP Kakuta Mai Mai, called for reforms in the compensation process. They urged KWS to recognize unborn infants as separate victims in cases of expectant mothers killed by wildlife and to adjust livestock compensation to reflect current market rates. Additionally, they advocated for increased resource allocation to support communities in the 10 counties most affected by HWC, drawing parallels to government support for other agricultural sectors.
Looking Ahead
KWS remains steadfast in its mission to balance wildlife conservation with community welfare. By leveraging the economic power of wildlife tourism and fostering inclusive policies, KWS aims to ensure that Kenya’s natural heritage continues to thrive while uplifting the lives of those who share their landscapes with wildlife.
