The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has announced a significant increase in both visitor numbers and revenue, attributing the growth to stronger marketing strategies, improved revenue management, and rising domestic tourism.
According to KWS Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga, Kenya’s national parks and reserves have recorded 3.5 million visitors this year, up from 2 million previously.
Speaking during the Fixing the Nation podcast hosted by NTV Kenya at Tsavo West National Park, Prof. Kanga said the increase reflects growing public appreciation for Kenya’s wildlife and natural heritage.
KWS Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga. Photo: Courtesy.
He noted that domestic tourists continue to play a critical role in the country’s conservation efforts, accounting for 60 per cent of all visits to Kenya’s parks and reserves.
The Director General also revealed that the increase in visitor numbers has translated into a threefold rise in revenue for the wildlife agency.
According to KWS, the improved performance has been driven by enhanced marketing initiatives, better revenue management systems, and sustained growth in domestic tourism.
Prof. Kanga hailed the achievements as a reflection of the collective efforts to promote conservation while making Kenya’s protected areas more accessible and attractive to both local and international visitors.
He also paid tribute to KWS rangers, describing them as the backbone of wildlife conservation and acknowledging their commitment to protecting the country’s wildlife and natural ecosystems.
The agency said the milestones would not have been possible without the dedication and sacrifice of the rangers who continue to safeguard Kenya’s parks and reserves.
KWS has in recent years intensified campaigns aimed at encouraging more Kenyans to visit national parks, while also investing in conservation, infrastructure and visitor experiences to boost tourism and support sustainable wildlife management.
