KWS proposes 10pc tourism revenue share for communities as wildlife earnings hit Sh460bn
Under this model, local communities would directly benefit, using the funds for initiatives such as bursaries, water infrastructure, and wildlife corridor conservation.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is pushing for a significant change in tourism revenue distribution, proposing that 10 per cent of the total earnings from tourism be allocated to local communities.
This move comes as Kenya's tourism sector celebrated a successful year in 2024, with revenues totalling Sh460 billion, largely driven by wildlife-related activities.
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KWS Director-General Erustus Kanga highlighted the growth from the Sh352.5 billion collected in 2023, emphasising that 75 per cent of the 2024 revenue stemmed directly from wildlife tourism.
"Most tourists visit the country to witness our national heritage – wildlife," Dr Kanga noted, revealing that Sh345 billion was specifically generated from wildlife tourism.
Speaking in Isara, Kajiado East Sub-county, during the disbursement of Sh64 million in human-wildlife conflict compensation, Kanga outlined KWS's collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife to advocate for the revenue-sharing model.
Under this model, local communities would directly benefit, using the funds for initiatives such as bursaries, water infrastructure, and wildlife corridor conservation.
The announcement was part of a broader initiative supported by Principal Secretary Silvia Museiya, who unveiled plans for a nationwide campaign focused on Human-Wildlife Conflict mitigation and compensation procedures.
The campaign, running for a month, will culminate in the launch of the National Compensation Fund in Meru County on May 26, presided over by President William Ruto.
Leaders in Kajiado urged KWS to extend compensation considerations to unborn infants in cases where expectant mothers fall victim to wildlife encounters.
Last week, the government set aside Sh950 million in the current financial year to settle claims from victims injured by wild animals. This was revealed by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during a tour in Laikipia North.
He said the government would fence all the wildlife sanctuaries to lessen human-wildlife conflict.
"The Cabinet Secretary and Principal Secretary in charge of Wildlife are under strict instructions by the President to clear the pending claims and put up the fence before the next elections."
Kindiki also promised Laikipia residents that the Nanyuki-Doldol highway would be tarmacked in line with the campaign pledges.
He hailed the government's efforts in restoring peace in Laikipia and its environs.
"Security in Laikipia has improved significantly because of a raft of measures implemented by the government when we took over in 2022. Most areas are enjoying peace courtesy of the interventions, which will be intensified in other unstable parts," Kindiki added.
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