Kenya Wildlife Service eyes new fees to save wildlife as funding crisis bites

KWS Director General Prof Erustus Kanga. [Mike Kihaki, Standard]

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is seeking to raise conservation fees for the first time in nearly 20 years to close a Sh 12 billion annual funding gap threatening the survival of the country’s wildlife.

The proposed Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation Fees) Regulations, 2025, will adjust charges for access to national parks, reserves, sanctuaries and marine protected areas if adopted.