Communities near national parks to benefit from proposed conservation fee – KWS
By Joel Masibo, July 28, 2025The Kenya Wildlife Service has announced that local communities living near national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries are poised to be among the key beneficiaries of a proposed conservation fee review.
In the particular strategic move, public forums organised by KWS across 20 counties will involve Kenyans in shaping the future of protected areas.
The adjustments, outlined in the Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation Fees) Regulations, 2025, are designed to secure the future of Kenya’s iconic wildlife and habitats by strengthening conservation financing, improving visitor experiences, and expanding community benefits.
In a statement released by KWS on Sunday, July 27, 2025, this move marks the first comprehensive fee review since 2007, during which time the cost of wildlife protection has risen significantly.
From managing growing cases of human-wildlife conflict to securing vast landscapes and endangered species, the demands of modern conservation have far outstripped available resources.
“This is not merely a price adjustment. It’s a strategic investment in the survival of Kenya’s biodiversity and the prosperity of communities who live alongside wildlife,” Erustus Kanga, Director General, KWS, said.
The initiative also proposes an expanded menu of visitor experiences, including walking safaris, canoeing, water sports, hot air balloon safaris, ranger lectures, and helicopter excursions.
KWS is committed to ensuring that conservation directly benefits communities through revenue-sharing to support schools, clinics, and water projects in wildlife-adjacent areas.
This initiative will also benefit the communities through improved human-wildlife conflict mitigation, including predator-proof bomas, electric fencing, and early warning systems. Communities will also enjoy livelihood support such as eco-tourism training, beekeeping, and nature-based enterprises.
“Our goal is to make conservation work for both people and nature,” Kanga emphasised. “This review lays a foundation for sustainability—socially, economically, and ecologically.”
The public forums will commence on July 29, 2025, at the Tom Mboya University Hall in Homa Bay County, Hola Primary School in Tana River County, and Marsabit National Park Museum Hall in Marsabit County.