Deputy President Kithure Kindiki says Kenya is tapping into advanced technologies to take great care of the country’s wildlife, improve infrastructure to continue attracting more visitors with a target of over five million tourists every year by 2027.
Prof. Kindiki said tourism is key to economic growth emphasizing the need to protect wildlife which contribute greatly to the number of visitors coming to Kenya.
Speaking on Friday when he graced the passing-out parade of KWS cadet officers at Manyani, Taita Taveta County, the DP also stressed the importance of diversifying tourists’ sites and revenue to avert overreliance on few sub-sectors.
“Our progress is already visible. Tourism revenue grew strongly in 2024, restoring global confidence in Kenya. The Government has set a clear target of welcoming five million visitors by 2027.We are diversifying tourism beyond the traditional safari into culture, sports, events, adventure, and MICE tourism—ensuring that growth is broad-based and inclusive,” DP said.
MODERNISING THE UNIT
With the rise in technological uptake in various key sectors of the economy, Prof. Kindiki said KWS has not been left behind and is using available systems like Artificial Intelligence tools and others for surveillance and response.
“We have strengthened security by employing and deploying elite ranger units, expanding the conservation workforce, and modernizing surveillance using AI-enabled systems, drones, satellite-linked patrol tools, and modern digital radio networks. Rapid-response capabilities have been upgraded and intelligence-led operations strengthened,” he added.
Further, the government is anchoring wildlife on green financing and clean energy. Through climate funds, carbon markets such as REDD+, conservation bonds, public–private partnerships, and multilateral financing, it is mobilizing sustainable capital for wildlife protection, habitat restoration, eco-tourism infrastructure, and community enterprises—while reducing pressure on the Exchequer.
“Wildlife and tourism create jobs, grow businesses, and strengthen communities. When we secure our parks, we secure our economy. When conservation works for communities, the nation prospers,” he emphasized.
THE TOURISM AGENDA
The DP also noted recent developments geared at raising the country’s wildlife protection profile globally highlighting President Ruto’s recent launch of the expansion of the Tsavo West Rhino Sanctuary from 92 square kilometers to 3,200 square kilometers, making it the largest rhino sanctuary in the world and the Cabinet’s approval of the Nairobi National Park–Kapiti Wildlife Corridor, reconnecting Kenya’s oldest park to its historic dispersal areas.
The government is also establishing a world-class National Wildlife Protection and Anti-Poaching Modernization Framework and a National Wildlife Forensics and Intelligence Centre to fight poaching using science.
“We are also investing in the people who stand on the frontlines. With the recruitment of 1,500 rangers and cadets, improved welfare, specialized training, and a clear housing policy for officers in remote and high-risk stations, we are building a professional, motivated, and highly skilled conservation force.Rangers will be protected by the law, and those who threaten or attack them will face the full force of justice,” DP noted.
He also called for accountability and observance of human rights in handling human-wildlife conflicts.
“The rule of law must protect both people and wildlife,” he said.
The DP also encouraged county governments to work with the KWS to reopen dormant parks and reserves because they are key to creating jobs, empowering communities and generating local revenue.
