Kenya launches strategic plan to boost wildlife conservation

Kenya Wildlife Service, a state corporation mandated to conserve and manage the country's wildlife, on Monday unveiled its strategic plan for 2024 to 2028, outlining a comprehensive roadmap to enhance wildlife protection across the country.

Rebecca Miano, cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, addressed journalists in the country's capital of Nairobi, emphasizing the plan's focus on a science-led, data-driven approach.

"The strategy calls for the enhancement of the wildlife economy, reduction of biodiversity loss, improved community engagement, and more access to benefits from wildlife conservation," Miano said.

Miano highlighted the blueprint's ambition to position Kenya as a global leader in sustainable tourism, advocating for developing the wildlife economy as a crucial engine for growth. The plan is designed to ensure that local communities benefit directly from diverse conservation efforts.

Miano was echoed by Silvia Museiya, principal secretary of the State Department for Wildlife, who said that the strategic plan serves as a platform to address biodiversity loss, improve community involvement, and guarantee that all Kenyans share in the benefits of wildlife conservation.

"The plan will enhance the management of human-wildlife coexistence, promote equitable sharing of conservation benefits, and implement science-driven approaches to increase wildlife populations and safeguard critical ecosystems," she noted.

Museiya also assured that the government is committed to developing well-considered frameworks to ensure that benefits derived from sustainable wildlife resource use are shared effectively. Additionally, she pledged to review existing laws and regulations to improve coordination and governance within the wildlife sector.