Tourism Stakeholders in Kilifi back KWS Conservation Fee Review to boost Wildlife Protection 

By Ben Okweingoti 

Tourism stakeholders in Kilifi County have welcomed the proposed review of conservation fees by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), saying the move will enhance the agency’s ability to manage parks and respond to increasing conservation challenges.

Speaking during a public participation and stakeholder consultation forum held at Turtle Bay Resort in Watamu, Malindi Sub-County, the players cited inflation and soaring fuel costs as major impediments to effective conservation, resulting in strained KWS operations and poor wildlife management, particularly in key parks like Tsavo East and Tsavo West.

KWS currently manages 8% of Kenya’s land mass and oversees 12% of land under game reserves. The proposed changes are contained in the draft Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation Fees) Regulations, 2025, which aim to ensure sustainable financing for KWS.

In the 2024/2025 financial year, KWS generated Ksh. 7.92 billion against a budgetary requirement of Ksh. 19.79 billion — a shortfall that has severely constrained its ability to combat poaching, mitigate human-wildlife conflict, and manage drought-related wildlife losses.

Patrick Changawa, a coastal safari operator, noted that the outdated fee structure—unchanged for 18 years—has made it difficult for KWS to deliver on its mandate.

“It’s unfortunate that KWS still relies on a fee structure set nearly two decades ago, despite inflation and the rising cost of living. Currently, 91% of fees collected go into conservation and security. A fee review is long overdue,” said Changawa.

He emphasized that increased revenue would empower KWS to better handle poaching, respond to droughts, and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts. He further urged the agency to launch aggressive public sensitization campaigns in communities near protected areas.

“Recently, the CS for Tourism and Wildlife visited Marafa in Kilifi to issue Ksh. 60 million in compensation to wildlife conflict victims. With better awareness, that cost could’ve been just Ksh. 10 million. Let’s invest in education to reduce risks and costs,” he added.

Geoffrey Wambua Maundu, Secretary General of the Umoja Watamu Beach Operators Association, praised KWS for involving local players in the fee review process for the first time.

“This is a welcome change. We proposed that marine park entry fees for foreign tourists rise from $17 to a maximum of $22. But we also urge KWS to reinvest that revenue into improving conservation standards to meet global benchmarks,” said Maundu.

Elema Hapicha, the KWS Senior Assistant Director for the Coast Conservation Area, affirmed the agency is conducting nationwide consultations to collect public feedback on the fee changes.

“The input we’re gathering will guide our efforts to protect and sustainably manage Kenya’s protected areas. With parks occupying a sizable portion of national land, robust financing is key,” she said.

KWS is currently operating with a Ksh. 12 billion deficit, hampering its operations. The proposed fee revision is seen as a critical step toward self-reliance and improved conservation outcomes.