Prof. Erastus Kanga Leads Launch of Wildlife Conservation and Management Regulations 2025

 

By Martin Masinde

Kenyans have been urged to embrace the newly launched Wildlife Conservation and Management Regulations 2025, a bold framework that seeks to revise park fees while strengthening conservation efforts across the country.

The regulations, unveiled at the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC) in Nairobi, mark a significant step towards improving access to national parks, curbing poaching, and safeguarding endangered species such as elephants, rhinos, and marine life along the Coast.

Leading the launch, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Director General, Professor Erastus Kanga, underscored the regulations as a decisive turning point in shaping Kenya’s conservation legacy. He emphasized that Kenya’s position as a premier tourist destination depends heavily on its wildlife and ecosystems, which continue to generate billions in revenue and create thousands of jobs. Protecting this natural wealth requires both investment and innovation.

The new framework introduces measures to boost ranger welfare, including salary reviews, enhanced logistical support for day and night patrols, and greater funding for the KWS airwing and frontline operations. This renewed commitment to rangers acknowledges their critical role as the first line of defense in the fight against poaching.

Inclusivity also forms a central pillar of the plan. Persons with Disabilities, senior citizens aged 70 and above within East Africa, and children under five will gain free entry to parks, while tour guides, drivers, porters, and boat operators will also be exempted from entry fees. By opening up conservation spaces to more stakeholders, the regulations seek to foster collective ownership and participation.

In addition, the plan will diversify tourism experiences by introducing activities such as animal tracking, cultural tourism, conservation programs, and adventure tourism. These initiatives are expected to encourage visitors to explore lesser-known parks, extend their stays, and spend more within local communities.

Currently, KWS generates about Ksh.7.98 billion annually from conservation fees. Under the new framework, this figure is projected to grow to Ksh.16.5 billion by 2028, nearly doubling revenue and expanding opportunities within the wildlife economy.

The 2025 regulations signal a new dawn for Kenya’s conservation journey, blending protection of natural heritage with economic empowerment for communities living alongside the parks.

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