KWS dismisses park destruction claims, defends Nairobi Animal Orphanage relocation as lawful

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) on Friday, 27 March, broke its silence on the contentious relocation of the Nairobi Animal Orphanage, firmly pushing back against growing public criticism and online claims that the project threatens the integrity of Nairobi National Park.

The agency addressed allegations by a lobby group, "Friends of Nairobi National Park" stating that reports suggesting destruction of the park's upland forest are "misleading, unfounded and inflammatory."

At the centre of the dispute is the fate of the Nairobi Animal Orphanage, a facility established in 1964 that has, for over 60 years, played a crucial role in rescuing and rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife.

For many Kenyans, it is not just a conservation facility but a national treasure. However, KWS argues that time has caught up with it.

"KWS confirms that the relocation and upgrade... is a carefully planned, lawful, and forward-looking initiative," the agency said, emphasizing that the move is aimed at enhancing "wildlife conservation, animal welfare, conservation education, and visitor experience."

According to the agency, rising visitor numbers and evolving international animal welfare standards have rendered the current facility inadequate.

The relocation plan, first conceptualized in 2013, is designed to align Kenya with global benchmarks, including those set by the World Organisation for Animal Health and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

KWS further stated that the project has met all legal and environmental requirements. It noted that an Environmental Impact Assessment was conducted and approved by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), which issued a license in December 2025 after stakeholder consultations.

The upgraded facility promises a significant transformation. It will include "spacious enclosures designed to meet modern welfare standards," a fully equipped veterinary unit, and "a modern wildlife hospital with surgical capability." Additional features such as quarantine zones, nursery facilities, and designated animal release areas are expected to improve rehabilitation and rewilding efforts.

KWS also assured the public that conservation remains at the core of the project. "The existing old orphanage site will be restored and rewilded, reinforcing the ecological integrity of Nairobi National Park," the statement read.

Beyond conservation, the agency highlighted economic benefits, noting the project will "provide over 500 direct jobs and many more service provider opportunities to young Kenyans."

Framing the initiative as both urgent and strategic, KWS concluded that the relocation "represents a deliberate investment in improved animal welfare, environmental sustainability, enhanced conservation education, and jobs creation."